Many users have reported that they are unable to use the icons on the taskbar on Windows 10. Users cannot click on any of the icons, including app icons, start menu, search icon, or any other, making the taskbar of no use.
Windows 10 Taskbar not working is a common issue that has been reported by many users. If you are reading this article, then probably you are searching for a way to fix Windows 10 taskbar not working. In this guide, we will be discussing all the possible ways to fix Windows 10 taskbar not working.
Restart The Windows Explorer Process
The first thing that you can do is restarting the Windows Explorer process. You can do this with the help of the Task Manager. To do so, follow the steps given below-
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combo on your PC to open the Task Manager on your PC. You will be headed to the Processes tab in the Task Manager, if not, then click on Processes.
Here search for the Windows Explorer process. Select it, right-click on it, and then click on Restart.
This will restart the Windows Explorer, and the taskbar will start working again. However, if the issue is still not fixed, then you should move to the next step.
Check The Windows Update
Another thing that you can do is check for Windows updates and download and install the updates if you find any.
Head to the Settings app on your PC by pressing the Windows + I key combo. In the Settings app, head to the Update & security section, and then click on Windows Update from the left sidebar.
Here click on the Check for updates and download and install the updates you find. You will see the Optional Updates section here, click on it, and then download and install the optional updates that you find.
If you want to update your driver, then you can use third-party apps like DriverPack Solution and Driver Booster to install the latest driver update.
Run SFC Scan
If the icons on the taskbar are missing, then you try running the SFC Scan. This issue can be caused by corrupted files on your PC. SFC Scan scans your PC for corrupted files and fixes them. To run the SFC scan follow the steps given below-
In the Start Menu, search for CMD. Right-click on the Command Prompt, and then click on Run as administrator. This will give the administrative privileges to the Command prompt.
Now in the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
Wait for the Command Prompt to scan your PC, and after the process is completed, close the Command Prompt, and restart your PC. You will now no longer face the issue.
Similarly, you can also try running the DISM Scan. Copy and paste the following command in the command prompt-
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Execute the command, and then restart your PC, and you will be able to use the Taskbar.
Fixing Windows 10 Taskbar Using PowerShell
You can use PowerShell to fix the Windows 10 taskbar. Follow the steps given below to fix the Windows 10 taskbar not working using PowerShell.
Press the Windows + X key combo. In the menu that opens up, click on the Windows Terminal (admin). This will run Windows PowerShell as the administrator.
In PowerShell, type the command Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and hit Enter to execute it.
After doing so, open File Explorer on your PC. You can do so by pressing the Windows + E key combo. In the File Explorer, head to the following address C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local. Replace the [Username] with the actual username.
In this location search for the TileDataLayer folder, and select it. Press Shift + Delete to delete the folder.
Prevent Apps From Launching At Startup
Another thing you can try doing is preventing certain apps from starting at the startup. To do so, follow the steps given below-
Open the Settings app on your PC by pressing the Windows + I key combo. In the Settings, head to the Apps section. Head to the Startup section here.
Now turn off the toggle for the apps with high impact. Disable all the apps with high impact from launching at the startup. This should fix the issue for you.
Use System Restore
If you still face the issue even after trying all the above fixes then you can try reverting your system to the working state using the system restore. Do note that this method will only work if you did create a restore point earlier when it was working. To use System Restore, follow the steps given below-
In the Start Menu, search for Create a restore point and open it. You will be headed to the System Protection tab in the System Properties.
Here click on the System Restore, and then in the System Restore window and then click on Next. Here select the restore point, and click on Scan for affected programs to check what changes will be made to your system.
Now click on Next, and then click on Finish to use System Restore to revert your system to the working state. Following the above steps, you will be able to revert your system when the taskbar was not working.
Bottom Line
This is how you can fix the Windows 10 taskbar not working. Following the above steps, you will be able to fix the issue you were facing.