8 Methods to Fix Windows 10 Taskbar Not Working
Many Windows 10 users may face taskbar issues, such as unresponsiveness or invisibility. This article offers effective solutions to restore its normal function.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
In the Processes tab, find the entry for "Windows Explorer" (or Windows Explorer).
Right-click "Windows Explorer" and select Restart.
Windows Explorer will restart, and the taskbar should return to normal.
2. Update Display Drivers
Taskbar issues may also be related to display drivers, especially after updating or installing new drivers, which can sometimes cause display problems. It is recommended to use Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers, saving time and avoiding the risk of downloading or installing incorrect drivers.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
After the scan is complete, it will display which drivers need to be installed or updated. Find the display driver and click the "Upgrade" button.
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the updated drivers take effect.
3. Reset Taskbar Settings
Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings.
In the settings window, check the taskbar settings, especially the following:
Auto-hide the taskbar: If enabled, try turning it off to see if the taskbar returns to normal.
Taskbar location: Make sure the taskbar has not been accidentally set to another position on the screen (e.g., the left or top).
Icon display: Check if any icons are incorrectly set or hidden.
Reset some of the taskbar settings to ensure the taskbar displays correctly.
4. Run System File Checker
Press Win + X to open the quick menu, then select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
The system will automatically scan and fix any corrupted or missing system files. This process may take some time, so please be patient.
After the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the taskbar issue is resolved.
5. Check for System Updates
Open Settings and click on "Update & Security".
Click "Check for Updates" to see if there are any new system updates available.
If updates are available, click "Download and Install" to update the system.
After installation is complete, restart your computer and check if the taskbar is working normally.
6. Reset Windows 10
Open Settings, click on "Update & Security", then select Recovery.
In the "Reset this PC" section, click Get Started.
Choose either "Keep My Files" or "Remove Everything", depending on whether you want to keep your files.
Follow the prompts to complete the system reset.
Note: Resetting Windows will remove some apps and settings, so be sure to back up important data before proceeding.
7. Check for Malware
Open Settings, click on "Update & Security", then select "Windows Security".
Under "Virus & Threat Protection", click "Quick Scan" or "Full Scan".
If malware or viruses are found, follow the software's instructions to quarantine or remove them.
8. Create a New User Account
Open Settings, click on"Accounts".
Under "Family & Other User"s, click "Add someone else to this PC".
Enter the new user account information and create either a local account or a Microsoft account.
After creation, sign out of your current account and log into the new account.
Check if the taskbar works normally in the new account.
By following the above steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix taskbar issues on Windows 10. If the problem persists, consider contacting professional technical support for further assistance.
See also:
How to Fix the Keyboard Not Typing Issue
How to Fix Mouse Double-Click Issue
