The taskbar is considered a vitally important place for Windows 10 users. It is the starting point for modifying quick settings, accessing the Start menu, and searching the entire PC.
It's also where you'll find a selection of
application icons that offer a quick and convenient way to launch your favorite
programs or the ones you use the most.
The ease with which can be customized (simply
right-click on any open application icon and select 'Pin to taskbar') makes it
possible for you to quickly pin it.
However, Windows 10 has an annoying tendency to
hide these apps for no apparent reason. This sudden change can be a bit
frustrating, although there are several potential solutions you can take.
Restart your PC
Although it sounds like a cliché, on many occasions,
it is the only thing you need to do to make everything work again. Turn
off the system and turn it on again after a few moments.
Check that you are not in tablet mode
By default, tablet mode removes all icons from the taskbar, in an attempt to create a simpler and more user-friendly interface. Simply returning to desktop mode should fix the problem:
1. Click on the icons in the lower right that looks like a speech bubble.
2. In the list of quick settings at the bottom, tablet mode should be highlighted. Click on it to return to desktop mode.
If you want to stay in tablet mode ,
right-click (or press and hold) any empty space on the taskbar and choose 'Show
app icons'.
Add script to command prompt
If none of the solutions work, you will have to try
something a little more complex. Make sure you are using an administrator
account before continuing:
1. Press the 'Windows' key + 'X' and then choose
'Windows PowerShell (Admin)'.
2. Click 'Yes' to allow the app to make changes to
your device
3. In the window that appears, copy the following
exactly as shown below: DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth.
4. Press 'Enter' and after a few seconds you should
see a message saying that the process was completed successfully.
5. Restart your device to make sure the changes take
effect.
Reinstall the taskbar software
The only way to uninstall utilities like the
Windows taskbar is through tools like 'Windows PowerShell'. Proceed as
follows:
1. Start 'Windows PowerShell' as administrator, using
the same method as above.
2. Click 'Yes' to allow changes to be made to your
device.
3. Copy and paste the following into the window that
appears: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage
-DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$ ($ _. InstallLocation) \
AppXManifest.xml”}.
4. Press 'Enter' and wait for the process to complete.
5. Lastly, restart your PC.
Update your device
If none of these solutions work, it may be a bug
related to an older version of Windows 10. Go to 'Settings> Update &
Security' and check for any pending updates.
If you're already running the latest version, it's
probably worth waiting until a Windows update fixes the problem. Microsoft
releases security patches at least once a month.
