Windows 10 Taskbar Not Working? Here Is How to Fix It

Since the first Windows-version, the Taskbar has been a key element of Microsoft’s operating system. However, there are times you might notice the Windows 10 Taskbar not working, cutting you off from core functions of the operating system. (This also works with Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP)

Fortunately, the majority of the Windows Taskbar issues can be resolved easily and this is exactly what we will show you today.

In this tutorial, you will find the solution to known problems that the Windows Taskbar encounters over time.

Whether it is missing functionality such as the clock in the bottom right tray or unclickable icons, you can fix it in no time.

Fix Windows 10 Taskbar by restarting Explorer

When the Windows Taskbar is not working, or when an application or your computer freezes, you usually restart the Windows Explorer. If your Windows Taskbar lacks some functionality or has missing icons, this is the first thing you should try.

In addition, this solution applies to an annoying issue that disables the auto-hide functionality of the Windows 10 Taskbar.

Note, however, that an app may be the reason that your Taskbar doesn’t retract. When an application is in a state that requires the attention of the user, it doesn’t allow the Windows Taskbar to auto-hide.

Here is how to restart Windows Explorer:

1. Hit Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager
2. Head to the Processes tab (usually it’s the active one when you open the Task Manager)
3. Under the category Windows Processes, select Windows Explorer and click on Restart

If there are no critical system malfunctions, your Windows Taskbar should return to its normal state.

Repopulate Windows Taskbar via Command Prompt

Of course, there are times that the Windows Taskbar is not working due to more critical issues. Initiating a repopulation of the Windows Taskbar via the Command Prompt might be the solution.

Here is what you have to do:

1. Hit the Windows key and type Command Prompt
2. Right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Note: It’s important that you run Command Prompt as an administrator for this step
3. Paste the following code in Command Prompt and hit Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix unclickable Windows 10 Taskbar

Let’s say your Windows Taskbar is present, but you can’t click on any of its icons. If you’ve tried the previous steps but are still encountering this problem, you need something more serious.

Unfortunately, this step comes at the cost of uninstalling all of your Windows 10 apps, including the Windows Store itself. Here is what you have to do:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator as shown above
2. Paste the following code in Command Prompt and hit Enter:

Get-AppxPackage | Remove-AppxPackage

Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -online

3. Restart your system

Should you use this solution, the Windows Store will be uninstalled from your computer. In order to get it back, this is what you have to do:

1. Hit the Windows key and type PowerShell
2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator
3. Type the following command in the PowerShell console:

Get-Appxpackage -Allusers

4. In the output, locate the WindowsStore entry. Look for the text PackageFamilyName to the left
5. Then run this command in PowerShell, replacing the ****** with the Microsoft.WindowsStore entry:

Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\******\AppxManifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode

For example, in our case the command was:

Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode

Update Drivers to fix Windows 10 Taskbar

This advice may seem simple but it has helped many users with Windows Taskbar problems in the past. Outdated drivers can cause a series of problems to your computer and one of those problems is causing the Windows Taskbar to stop working.

Updating standard drivers like the graphics and audio drivers might be a good start. Make sure that you have all the drivers needed up to date so that they don’t cause malfunctions to Windows.

If you don’t know the exact products that your computer includes, try using a free software like Speccy to find out your hardware. That way you will be able to locate your drivers easily.

Create a New User Account

Finally, there is a last resort for users that didn’t manage to fix their Windows Taskbar issues and that is creating a new user account. Despite being a little inconvenient setting up a new user account from scratch, it’s been proven to solve Taskbar problems for some.

To create a new user account, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Settings (Windows key+I)
2. Navigate to Accounts > Family & Other Users
3. Under the Other Users section, click on Add someone else to this PC

f you are replacing your own user account, choose the I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and Add a user without a Microsoft account options to avoid any confusion with your original login.