Is your Windows 10 taskbar not working? Taskbar not working is one of the common issues you can confront while using Windows. In this situation, your taskbar stops responding to your actions. Users usually report that the cursor is frozen in this situation.
Due to the introduction of new tricks to the taskbar of Windows 10 for Microsoft, users encounter a frustrating error “taskbar not working on Windows 10”.
Below are some methods to fix this issue and get your taskbar to work again.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
You can restore the taskbar by just following the simple steps. You have to restart Windows Explorer. Here are the steps to take:
- Press [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Esc] simultaneously.
- A menu will appear on your screen. You have to select the ‘Task Manager’ option from the menu.
- Look for the ‘Widows Explorer’ option from the ‘Processes’ column. Once you get the Windows Explorer, use right-click.
- Next, select ‘End Task.’
- Wait for a few moments, and you will find that the ‘task re-launch itself.
- Finally, examine your taskbar for its ideal functionality after Windows Explorer is restarted.
2. Detect faulty explorer add-ons
If you still find the taskbar not responding issue, you can stick with this solution. Defective explorer add-ons might be affecting the taskbar’s functionality.
Follow the given steps for this solution:
- Start by booting your computer into its Clean Boot State.
- Once you boot your computer, you must try to detect the add-on that might be prompting the issue.
- Finally, disable the add-on that intervenes with explorer.exe.
3. Re-register the Taskbar
If you encounter a taskbar issue occurring again or the solution mentioned above did not solve the taskbar problem not working, you will need to use Windows Powershell.
The Powershell feature helps to construct the system settings. You need to follow careful execution of the steps mentioned below; because this step is a bit complex:
- Type ‘Windows Powershell’ in the Search window bar and open the application.
NOTE: You can also use the command prompt to open the application Powershell. Just type in the Powershell command followed by pressing the enter button.
- Next you proceed with copying the command mentioned here: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}.
- Once you have copied the command, paste it into Command Prompt and press Enter.
- When the above command is executed, explore this index found in the windows directory: C:/Users/name/AppData/Local/.
NOTE: Fill in the username on your account for the name part.
4. Propagate the Taskbar with the ‘Command Prompt’
There are situations where the icons in your taskbar appear missing. Here the taskbar does not function efficiently. To resolve this issue, you have to use the command prompt.
Here are the four steps to repopulate the taskbar:
- Press two keys [X] and [Windows] together for opening the ‘Quick Link’ menu.
- The next step is to launch the ‘Command Prompt ‘option. Command Prompt has an (Admin) next to it.
NOTE: For using the DISM (Disk Image Servicing and Management), you must open the Command Prompt as an Administrator. - As soon as the Command Prompt appears, enter the command mentioned here: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
- Finally, press the enter key. You also have to check that the icons should be back on your taskbar, and their functionality should be restored completely.
5. Check Your Drivers
The taskbar not working on Windows 10 problem might occur due to outdated drivers. You can check with your drivers for any updates available to resolve taskbar issues. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- First, you have to look at standard drivers, like those for audio and graphics. If you detect the cause, it’s well and good. Suppose you cannot find the reason. Just download software like ‘Driver Talent’ for automatically updating the driver.
- Automatic driver update tools are capable of identifying your system. These tools also know the right driver based on the Windows 10 variant and specific hardware. The software will finally install the driver on your PC.
6. Create a New User Account
If you still face difficulty with the taskbar not functioning correctly, you can use this particular method. Then, all you have to do is create a new account to eliminate any taskbar issues.
Follow the given steps carefully to create a new user account:
- Press the [I] and the [Windows] key simultaneously to open the ‘Settings’ window.
- Now, head to the menu on the left panel and search for the ‘Accounts’ option and choose the ‘Family and Other Users’ option.
- Go to the ‘Other Users’ option and choose ‘Add Someone Else to this PC,’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The best option for replacing your user account is to choose ‘Add a user without a Microsoft account’ or ‘I do not have this person’s sign-in information.’ This step is recommended to help you prevent confusion with the original account.
Finally, check whether the old account has been replaced with the new user account.
7. Repair the Unclickable Taskbar
Sometimes, Windows 10 users report that they cannot click on any taskbar features. If you also face any such issue, you have to follow the steps below to resolve the issue.
Note: This method is the easiest, but it has a significant drawback. All applications in your Windows 10 system will be entirely erased.
- Use [X] and [Windows] keys together to open the “Quick Link” menu.
- Launch the Command Prompt option (Admin) located beside it. Now open the Command Prompt as an Administrator, then follow the steps.
- Go to the Command Prompt page and type in the following command: Get-AppxPackage | Remove-AppxPackage Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage–online.
- Tap on the enter button to execute the command.
- When the execution of the command is finished, restart the computer.
Conclusion
You must be clear about getting rid of the Windows 10 taskbar not working issue. Then, choose any of the above-mentioned tips and fix the problem of being unable to click on the taskbar.
