Fix Windows Taskbar Not Working | For Windows 11/10

Dany updated on Aug 18, 2023 to Computer Instruction | How-to Articles

Is your Windows Taskbar not working? If yes, go through this article to see the probable reasons for the taskbar not working in Windows 10/11 and the fixes to let it work again. While fixing this error, you could face data loss. In this situation, install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Windows Taskbar is one of the greatest features in Windows PC, allowing instant access to the used programs. This little feature is an aesthetically pleasing and beneficial application, and Windows 10/11 ensured an optimal experience by updating the Taskbar. To fix Windows Taskbar not working, you can refer to the following solutions:

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
1. Fix Windows Taskbar Not Working by Creating New Account Hit the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app and select Accounts...Full steps
2. Fix Windows Taskbar by Restarting Windows Explorer Open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the Taskbar, and select Task Manager...Full steps
3. Check Updates to Fix Taskbar Not Working It's a broad piece of advice applicable to several PC errors, but it's solved taskbar disagreement...Full steps
4. Use PowerShell to Fix Taskbar Not Working Type in Windows Powershell or just type in power in the search bar and select Windows...Full steps
More Solutions Windows 10 taskbar errors you have might be connected with outdated drivers. This...Full steps

In the case of a Windows 10 laptop or computer, its Taskbar received a novel look with a Cortana search feature. This is why you may get a "Taskbar not working Windows 10" issue than you would get in its older versions. However, there are several reasons for the Windows Taskbar not working. Here are the top 4 reasons:

❌Corrupted components Often, Windows components might get corrupted, and if this occurs, you must reinstall pre-installed applications to solve the issue.
💻System glitches Your Windows 10 or 11 OS might face a glitch causing this issue to emerge. Therefore, restarting the process would be beneficial if you deal with File Explorer or other parts.
🔎System services Windows need specific services to function appropriately. If they have stopped working, you must open services.msc and commence them manually.
🖥️Older display driver It's the most common reason for the Taskbar not working. When the display driver isn't updated, it will clash with the other drivers operating on the latest Windows version.

Before fixing the Taskbar not working on Windows 11/10, we will provide you with a video for help. The main outlines of the video are shown below:

  • 00:15 Press Ctrl+Shift to open the Task Manager window
  • 00:30 Hit "More Details," find Windows Explorer, and click on Restart
  • 01:00 Open Control Panel and select User Accounts

Method 1. Fix Windows Taskbar Not Working by Creating a New Account

Is your Windows 10/11 Taskbar not working? Go through the fixes below to solve this error by creating a new account:

Step 1. Hit the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app and select Accounts.

Step 2. Opt for "Family & other users" in the right pane. After that, select "Add someone else to this PC".

Step 3. Now select "I don't have this person's sign-in information".

Step 4. Now, hit the option of "Add a user without a Microsoft account".

Step 5. Type a username, password, and hint. Now, hit the Next button. Once you create this new account, switch to it, and see if the Taskbar not working Windows 10/11 has been fixed.

You may see how easy it is to fix a taskbar not working Windows 10/11 error. Follow each step above, and relax! Remember to share these steps with your pals on social media if they are beneficial.

 

Method 2. Fix Windows Taskbar by Restarting Windows Explorer

A simple restart is ideal whenever a PC knocks on a problem. For a similar reason, the Windows 11 Taskbar not working error can be fixed with a simple restart of Windows Explorer. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the Taskbar, and select Task Manager from the emerged window.

Step 2. Scroll down to locate Windows File Explorer.

Step 3. Right-click on this Windows Explorer, and select Restart from the context menu.

If your Windows File Explorer is not responding, you can also fix the problem in the Task Manager. Check detailed tutorials in the following passage:

8 Plans | Fix File Explorer Not Responding on Windows 11/10

Is the file explorer not responding on Windows 11/10? Do not panic; this article will help fix the issue with easy-to-follow methods! Read more >>

Method 3. Check Updates to Fix Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working

It's a broad piece of advice applicable to several PC errors, but it's solved taskbar disagreement for some. Therefore, check updates to fix the Windows 10 Taskbar not working. You just need to navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. You can install the available updates to fix taskbar issues.

If you encounter issues like Windows update not working, find solutions in the following passage:

Fix Windows Update Not Working Windows 11/10

Windows issues like Windows update not working in Windows 10 or 11 may lead you to get stuck with different errors that occur during an update. Read more >>

Method 4. Use PowerShell to Fix Windows Taskbar Not Working

The Powershell Windows feature is similar to the commonly used Command Prompt, which can be launched using the Command Prompt. It assists you in configuring the system settings. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Type in Windows Powershell or just type in power in the search bar, and select the Windows Powershell app symbol.

Step 2. Copy the following command in the Powershell window, paste it into Command Prompt, and hit the Enter button:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

Step 3. Shut down the Powershell window after executing the previous command, and go to the directory below, which is a portion of Windows Explorer: C:/Users/name/AppData/Local/. It's time to use the username in your Account for the Name portion.

Step 4. Search for the folder "TileDataLayer" in the list, and delete it. Now, see if your Taskbar is properly functioning.

Method 5. Update Graphic Drivers to Solve Windows Taskbar

Windows 10 taskbar errors you have might be connected with outdated drivers. This procedure can be utilized to fix taskbar issues and several other errors you have with your PC. The steps to update graphic drivers are the following:

Several drivers might cause taskbar problems if they require to be updated. Generally, you must look at standard drivers, for example, those for graphics and audio. You may download "Driver Talent" software or other third-party tools to update the driver automatically.

Concerning your exact hardware and Windows 10 variation, automatic driver update tools will correctly recognize your machine and select the appropriate driver. After that, the software will set up the graphic driver for you on your PC.

If you like the solution given in this step, please share this with your friends on social media.

 

Method 6. Fix Taskbar Not Working with Windows Troubleshooter

You can fix the Taskbar not working on Windows 11/10 with Windows Troubleshooter. Go through the steps below:

Step 1. Navigate to the Settings app, and opt for the "Update & Security" section.

Step 2. Hit the Troubleshoot option, and select "Additional troubleshooter".

Step 3. Opt for Windows Store Apps, and select "Run the Troubleshooter".

Method 7. Run DISM to Troubleshoot Windows 10/11 Taskbar

After performing an SFC, a DISM scan is suggested for a Disk Image Check. Follow the steps below to run DISM to troubleshoot the Taskbar not working:

Step 1. Hit the Windows + R button to open the Run window, and type in CMD there.

Step 2. Once the Command Prompt window appears, type in DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth, and hit the Enter button. This command will conduct a disk image check.

Step 3. The DISM tool will begin scanning for problems and correcting them. Restart your computer after finishing the process to see if the Windows 10 taskbar issue has been resolved.

Method 8. Perform System Restore to Solve Taskbar Not Working Windows 10/11

If you have tried every strategy mentioned above and can't solve the Taskbar not working issue, it would be better to perform a system restore. Try these steps below to restore the computer to an earlier date:

Step 1. In the search bar, type Recovery, and opt for Recovery from the list.

Step 2. Opt for "Open System Restore".

Step 3. Once the System Restore window opens, hit the "Next" button to move further.

Step 4. If it's an option, select Show more restore points.

Step 5. Opt for the chosen restore point, and select "Next".

Step 6. Complete the restoration process after going through the instructions on the screen.

Recover Lost Data Lost Because of Windows Taskbar Issues

With the aforementioned fixes, you may eliminate these Windows Taskbar errors. But what happens if you have lost data because of this emerging issue? In that situation, it would be better to recover files with the help of professional data recovery software, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Install this Windows recovery tool to quickly recover deleted files from any location on your Windows PC to restore eliminated documents. As you have lost your valuable files while fixing the Windows Taskbar error, these are the highlighted features of EaseUS shown below:

Download this professional data recovery tool now! Also, if you like the content mentioned here, please share this with your friends on social media.

 

Summary

Hopefully, you will be fine with your Windows 10/11 taskbar ever again. Using one or more of these suggestions, you must have resolved any unpleasant issues, such as the inability to select anything in the toolbar. You may now utilize the Taskbar's navigation and other features to their full potential. However, if you have lost data while fixing this Taskbar not working error, installing EaseUS data recovery is essential!

Windows Taskbar Not Working FAQs

Go through the FAQs below to understand the topic a better way:

1. How to fix the unclickable Taskbar in Windows 10?

You can fix the unclickable Taskbar in Windows 10 by ensuring locking the taskbar option is ON. Follow the steps below to fix this error:

  • Right-click on the Taskbar.
  • Select the "Lock the taskbar" option.

2. What causes the Windows Taskbar not to work?

Corrupted components and system glitches cause the Windows Taskbar not to work. Your operating system may occasionally experience a bug that manifests as this problem. Moreover, if Windows components get corrupted, you may reinstall pre-installed apps to fix it.

3. Why is my start bar not working on Windows 11?

Most taskbar difficulties may be resolved by restarting Windows Explorer in Task Manager. Look for and remove problematic Windows updates, reboot system services, reload Windows built-in applications, and carry out a backup using restore points if the problem continues.

4. Why is my Taskbar staying on top of Windows 10?

Many people have discovered that the Taskbar always being at the top is frequently caused by one or more applications pinned to the Taskbar. Consequently, remove any application or file from the Taskbar before repining it.