The Windows taskbar is an essential component of the operating system, providing quick access to frequently used applications, system settings, and notifications. However, after a Windows 10 update, you may encounter issues where the taskbar stops responding or behaves unexpectedly. Users report Windows 10 Taskbar Not Working its Unresponsive and restarting Windows Explorer does nothing. Corrupted System Files, User profile corruption, or Certain third-party software conflicts are common reasons behind this problem. This article explores several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve taskbar issues after a Windows 10 update.
Note: Below solutions are also applicable, to fix the Windows 10 start menu not working as well.
Windows 10 Taskbar not working
If for some reason windows taskbar stops working or becomes unresponsive, it can significantly impact your ability to navigate and use your computer effectively.
- It may be that Corrupted files disrupt the proper functioning of system processes and result start menu or taskbar not working on Windows 10.
- Again Corruption in the user profile can also impact the behavior of system elements, including the taskbar. This can occur during the update process or due to other factors.
- Third-party software or applications that are incompatible with the latest Windows update can interfere with the taskbar’s operation.
- Sometimes, the update process itself may encounter glitches or interruptions, leading to incomplete installations or configurations that affect the taskbar’s functionality.
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve various issues caused by recent updates. Restart your computer and see if the taskbar functions normally afterward.
Restart Windows Explorer
First of all Whenever you notice the Windows 10 taskbar not responding or working, simply Restart Windows Explorer which can help you restore your taskbar to working order.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Alternatively, Press Windows + R, type taskmgr.exe and ok to open task manager.
- Under the process, tab scroll down and look for Windows Explorer.
- Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.” Now Check if the taskbar starts working again.
Windows Explorer is responsible for managing the graphical user interface elements, including the taskbar. Restarting Windows Explorer essentially refreshes the taskbar and its associated processes, potentially resolving any temporary glitches or issues that may be causing it to malfunction.
Third-party App and bad explorer add-ons
Start Windows into clean boot state that disables all non-Microsoft services and helps you to find out if any File Explorer addon is interfering with the smooth functioning of explorer.exe which causes the Windows 10 start menu and Taskmanager not working.
- Press Win + R, type “msconfig,” and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box and click “Disable all.”
- Go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window. Restart your computer.
Performing a clean boot helps identify and troubleshoot software conflicts that may be causing the taskbar issue, allowing you to isolate the problematic software and resolve the issue accordingly.
Run DISM and System File Checker Utility
Corrupted or missing system files can lead to various system issues, including taskbar problems. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool scans for and repairs corrupted system files, while the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair the Windows system image. By repairing corrupted system files, these tools can help restore the functionality of the taskbar.
- First open the Command prompt as administrator
- Now run the DISM command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- After 100% complete the process, run the command sfc /scannow to check and restore missing system files.
Wait until the scanning process is complete, after that restart Windows and check Windows 10 taskbar working properly.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates to address bugs, vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues. Installing the latest updates ensures that your system has the latest bug fixes and patches, which may include solutions for taskbar-related issues introduced by previous updates.
- Open the Settings app using Windows + I,
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check for updates and install any available updates.
- After installing updates, restart your computer and see if the taskbar works correctly.
Additionally, updating device drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers, can resolve compatibility issues and improve system stability. We recommend installing the latest driver from the device manufacturer.
Use Windows PowerShell
Still getting the same issue, the Windows 10 taskbar not working, Re-registering Windows apps and the taskbar can help resolve underlying problems with their configurations or registrations, potentially fixing issues that prevent them from functioning properly.
- Right-click on the Windows 10 start menu and select PowerShell (admin)
- Then perform the command below. (Either type or copy and paste the following command in the PowerShell window)
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
- After executing the command Close the PowerShell Window.
- Navigate to C:/Users/name/AppData/Local/ and Delete the folder – TitleDataLayer.
- Restart Windows and check Taskbar working smoothly.
Creating a New User account
User profile corruption can sometimes affect the functionality of the taskbar. Creating a new user account allows you to determine whether the issue is specific to your user profile or a system-wide problem. If the taskbar works fine in the new user account, it indicates that the issue is likely related to your user profile, which needs to be fixed.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Under “Other users,” click on “Add someone else to this PC.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
- Log in to the new user account and check if the taskbar works correctly. If it does, you may need to transfer your files and settings to the new account.
Perform System Restore
This option takes your PC back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.
If the taskbar issue started after a recent update, performing a System Restore to a point before the update can eliminate the problem by restoring system settings and configurations that were working correctly.
- Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > System > System Protection.
- Click on “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point before the problem starts.
- After the restoration process is completed, check if the taskbar is functioning properly.
If all other troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the taskbar issue, it may indicate a more complex problem that requires expert assistance. Microsoft Support can provide personalized troubleshooting guidance, diagnose underlying system issues, and offer solutions tailored to your specific situation.
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