If the taskbar icons on your computer are unresponsive, disappear or missing, below are the steps to fix the taskbar not working issue in Windows 10.
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Taskbar not working in Windows 10
The taskbar on a Windows computer provides quick access to the web browser, file explorer, notifications, mail app, and other frequently used apps and programs on the computer.
In addition, the taskbar contains the Windows start button, search bar, date/time, sound control, battery, Wi-Fi, and also provides quick access to the task manager and other services via the right-click menu.
When users report about the taskbar working in Windows 10, they generally refer to cases of missing taskbar icons, taskbar icons not responding, taskbar right-click menu not working and taskbar itself disappearing from the screen.
1. Disable tablet mode
If you are using a dual mode (tablet/desktop) computer, disable tablet mode and this should help resolve issues related to the taskbar on your computer.
Go to settings > system > select table mode in the left pane. In the right pane, use the drop down menu to select Use desktop mode Possibility.
Restart your computer and you should find the missing system tray icons back on your computer.
2. Restart Windows Explorer
If the taskbar is not responding, the problem may be due to a bug in the Windows Explorer service.
Right-click beginning click and click task manager. In the Task Manager screen, right-click Windows explorer and click the Start anew Possibility.
Note: If you cannot find the Windows Explorer process in Task Manager, open any file on your computer, which will cause the Windows Explorer process to appear on the Task Manager screen.
3. Install updates
Go to settings > Updates & Security > click windows update in the left pane. In the right pane, click Check for updates Button.
If updates are available, click Download and Install Now to install updates on your computer.
4. Use the Windows Store apps troubleshooter
Go to settings > Updates & Security > select Troubleshooting option in the left pane. In the right pane, scroll down and click Additional bug fixes.
On the next screen, scroll down and select Windows Store apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Start the application identity service
Right click on the Start button and click To run. In the Run Command Window, type services.msc and click To run.
On the Services screen, right-click Application Identity Service and click beginning.
6. Reinstall the taskbar apps
Right click on the beginning click and click PowerShell (administrator).
In the Powershell window, type the following command and press the Enter Key.
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
Note: If you cannot find the AppData folder, enable the options to show hidden files on your computer.
7. Repair system image
Open command prompt as admin > type DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth in the command prompt window and press the Enter Button.
Close the Command Prompt window and check if the taskbar is now working properly on your computer.
8. RUN SFC command
Open command prompt As admin > enter sfc /scan in the command prompt screen and press the Enter key.
If that doesn’t help, try repairing the system image.
9. Use System Restore or create a new user account
If a system restore point is available on your computer, you can use system restore to return your device to its previous operating state.
If no system restore point is available, you must create a new local user account and use this new user account.
10. Reinstall Windows 10
For hard-to-fix issues, Windows 10 offers the option to start with a fresh Windows 10 installation. This will remove all installed apps and programs from your computer while leaving your personal files intact.
Go to settings > Updates & Security > click Restoration in the left pane. In the right pane, scroll down and click Learn how to start over with a clean install of Windows Link under “More recovery options”.
If “Switch apps?” prompt, click the Yes Button.
On the next screen, click Getting started and follow the instructions to reinstall the latest version of the Windows operating system on your computer.
Note: This process keeps your personal files intact but removes Microsoft Office and other apps. You will need to reinstall these apps on your device.
