Taskbar Not Working? Here's How to Fix It

As a tech-savvy Singaporean, you know how crucial a smooth-running PC is for your daily tasks. Whether you’re working from home in Bishan or managing your hawker stall’s finances in Chinatown, encountering issues with your Windows 10 taskbar can be incredibly frustrating. This essential feature, which has been a part of Windows since 1995, is vital for accessing your favourite apps and managing your workflow efficiently.

In this article, we’ll explore some common Windows 10 taskbar problems and provide you with practical solutions to get your taskbar back in working order. So, let’s dive in and troubleshoot these issues together!

What is a taskbar and what does it do?

The taskbar is a fundamental element of the Windows operating system, typically located at the bottom of your screen. It houses the Start button, which you can use to search for and launch applications. Additionally, it displays currently running programs and includes the Notification Area on the right side, where you can check the date, time, and ongoing activities.

Common taskbar issues and how to fix them

Let’s explore some solutions for the most prevalent Windows 10 taskbar problems, so you can restore your taskbar’s functionality and get back to work (or play) as quickly as possible:

1. Cluttered taskbar

By default, the Windows 10 taskbar can be quite cluttered, taking up valuable space. Here’s how to declutter and optimise your taskbar:

  • Right-click on the search box and select “Hidden” to remove it entirely, or choose “Show search icon” for a more compact option.
  • Disable the Cortana button by right-clicking the taskbar and unchecking “Show Cortana button”.
  • Remove the Task View button and use the Win + Tab shortcut instead.
  • Disable unnecessary items like People, News and Interests, and Windows Ink Workspace if you don’t use them.

2. Restart the explorer process

Restarting the explorer.exe process can often resolve taskbar issues. Here’s how:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click “More details” if you see a simplified window.
  3. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the Processes tab.
  4. Right-click on it and select “Restart”.

Your taskbar should reappear and function properly after this process.

3. Hiding taskbar

If restarting Explorer doesn’t help, try enabling the auto-hide function:

  1. Go to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar.
  2. Enable “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode”.
  3. Toggle the option on and off to ensure it’s working correctly.

4. Check for Windows and driver updates

Outdated drivers or Windows versions can cause taskbar issues. Here’s how to check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
  3. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

5. Windows 10 taskbar frozen

If your taskbar is completely unresponsive, try this PowerShell solution:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “PowerShell”.
  2. Right-click on PowerShell and select “Run as administrator”.
  3. Enter the following command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register"$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  4. Close PowerShell and navigate to C:/Users/your_username/AppData/Local/.
  5. Delete the folder named “TileDataLayer”.
  6. Check if your taskbar is now working properly.

6. Taskbar moves around

If your taskbar keeps moving, it’s likely unlocked. To fix this:

  1. Go to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar.
  2. Ensure the “Lock the taskbar” option is turned on.

7. Taskbar disappeared

If your taskbar has vanished, try these steps:

  1. Move your cursor to where the taskbar was last seen.
  2. Look for a faint grey line at the screen’s edge.
  3. When the cursor changes to a narrow arrow, hold the left mouse button and drag away from the edge.
  4. Adjust the taskbar to your preferred size.

If this doesn’t work, try restarting Windows in Safe Mode and then in regular mode.

8. Create a new account or perform a system restore

As a last resort, you can try these options:

  1. Use System Restore to revert your system to a point before the issue occurred.
  2. Create a new Windows user account:
  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
  • Select “Add someone else to this PC”.
  • Choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” and add a user without a Microsoft account.

Conclusion

The Windows 10 taskbar is an essential feature for efficient computer use, whether you’re a student at NUS or a business owner in the CBD. While it’s generally straightforward to use, issues can occasionally arise. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most taskbar problems and get back to your tasks quickly.

Remember, if you’re looking for a reliable PC that can handle your daily workload with ease, consider the HP Pavilion x360 14 inch 2-in-1 Laptop 14-ek2029TU. With its versatile design and powerful performance, it’s perfect for both work and entertainment, making it an ideal choice for tech-savvy Singaporeans.

For more computing tips and product recommendations, be sure to check out our laptops and tablets and desktops sections. Happy computing, Singapore!