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Taskbar Is Not Working: 11 Simple Ways to Unfreeze It
Most Taskbar issues can be fixed by repairing system files
7 min. read
Updated onMay 14, 2024
updated onMay 14, 2024
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Key notes
Problems with the user interface are common, not just inWindows 10, and many reported that Taskbar is not working for them.
So if yourTaskbar is unresponsiveor if it’s not working at all, this guide will help you fix it for good.
Why is my Windows 10 Taskbar not working?
There are many reasons for Taskbar issues, but the most common ones are the following:
What are other Taskbar issues that I can encounter?
So, let’s dive right in and see what you can do in order to fix your Windows Taskbar.
What can I do if the Taskbar is not working?
1. Check drivers
Although it seems unlikely, there’s a chance a bad driver is causing the problem. It is known that incompatible drivers can make quite a mess in Windows 10, and a disrupted taskbar is one of the possible issues.
So, make sure all your drivers are up to date and update any outdated drivers. This is a simple procedure, and you can perform it manually or automatically withspecialized driver updating tools.
2. Restart Windows Explorer
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PressCtrl+Shift+Escand choose to open Task Manager.
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Navigate to theProcessestab.
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LocateWindows Explorerin the list.
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Right-click on it and selectEnd task.
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The task will re-launch itself after a couple of moments, so check if everything is okay with your taskbar now, after you restarted Windows Explorer.
Before we get to some ‘system-messing’ solutions that includeCommand Promptand PowerShell, let’s try one simpler. A simple restart of the Windows Explorer will restore the functionality of the taskbar, and other user interface features.
So if your taskbar problem is not that serious, this solution should work just fine.
This solution might solve the problem, but only temporarily, so if the problem returns, try the solution below.Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right solution for you.
3. Perform a PowerShell fix
Okay, so if restarting Windows Explorer didn’t get the job done, or it just temporarily solved the issue, you can try some more advanced solutions.
4. Reinstall apps or ShellExperienceHost and Cortana
If you don’t want to reinstall all of your apps, your best bet is to just re-register Cortana, and ShellExperienceHost.
5. Modify your registry
6. Perform System Restore
7. Use Troubleshooter
8. Start Application Identity Service
There are some reports that suggest starting the Application Identity service will fix the taskbar issue.
9. Use DISM
10. Create a new user account
Once the new account is created, switch to it and check if the problem is resolved.
11. Perform a clean install
What can I do if the Taskbar is not working on Windows 10 after an update?
That’s all for this article, I hope at least one of these solutions helped you to restore the functionality of your taskbar.
This isn’t the only issue that you can encounter, and if yourTaskbar is flickering, be sure to try the solutions from our dedicated guide.
If you have any comments, questions, or maybe some other solution for this problem that I didn’t manage to find, please write that down in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Taskbar,windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
