How to Fix Windows 11 Missing Show Desktop Button
Some users find that the "Show Desktop" button has disappeared when using Windows 11, making it impossible to quickly switch to the desktop. In this article, we will provide you with several solutions to help you fix this problem and restore the function of "Show Desktop" button.
1. Recovery Via Taskbar Settings
In Windows 11, the personalization settings of the taskbar may cause the "Show Desktop" button to disappear. You can re-enable the button by following the steps below:
Right-click on the blank space of the taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings".
In Taskbar Settings, scroll down and find the Multitasking section.
Make sure that the "Show desktop buttons" option is enabled. If it is not enabled, click the switch next to it to turn it on.
2. Update Computer Drivers
Timely update of system and device drivers is also an important measure to ensure the normal operation of the operating system. Using software like Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers can save time and avoid installation errors.
Download the latest version of Driver Sentry, install and open the software, then click "Scan".
The scan will display which drivers are missing or outdated. Find the necessary updates and click "Upgrade".
After updates are complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
3. Check Taskbar Transparency Settings
The transparency effect in Windows 11 may sometimes affect the display of taskbar buttons. To make sure the taskbar is working as expected, try turning off the transparency effect and then check if the "Show Desktop" button is restored.
Open Settings and click Personalize.
In the Personalization menu, click on Colors.
Find "Transparency effects" and turn it off.
Go back to the desktop and check if the "Show Desktop" button is restored on the taskbar.
4. Restart Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer is responsible for displaying the desktop and taskbar. If it fails, the buttons on the taskbar may not be displayed properly. By restarting Explorer, you can solve this problem.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
In Task Manager, find and select "Windows Explorer".
Right-click on the "Windows Explorer" entry and select "Restart".
5. Use System Restore
If the above method doesn't work, you can try to use System Restore to restore to a normal restore point. System Restore will restore your computer to the state it was in before the problem occurred, but it will not affect your personal files.
Open Settings and click on System.
In the "System" menu, select "Restore".
On the "Recovery" page, click "System Restore".
Follow the wizard to select a restore point, click "Next" and confirm the restore.
6. Check Group Policy Settings
For Enterprise Windows 11 users, the system administrator may have disabled certain features through Group Policy Management tools. If you have an Enterprise or Education computer and the "Show Desktop" button has disappeared, you may need to check the Group Policy settings.
Press Win + R, type 'gpedit.msc' and enter.
In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to "User Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Start Menu and Taskbar".
Find the option "Disable display of desktop buttons" and make sure it is set to Unconfigured or Disabled.
7. Run a System File Check
Corrupted system files may cause the taskbar buttons to not display properly. You can fix possible system file errors by running the System File Checker tool.
Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Administrator).
In the command line window, type the following command and press Enter: 'sfc /scannow'.
The system will scan and repair possible file corruption issues. Once done, restart your computer.
These are the steps to restore Windows 11 "Show Desktop" button, hope it helps you.
See also:
8 Ways to Fix GPU Not Detected on Windows
9 Ways to Fix Critical Process Died Error in Windows 10
