Contents
- 1 8 Best Ways to Fix Taskbar Disappeared or Missing on Windows 11
- 1.1 2. Restart the Windows Explorer Process
- 1.2 3. Re-Register Microsoft Store Apps Using PowerShell
- 1.3 4. Check the Windows Projection Settings
- 1.4 5. Delete the Iris Service Configurations
- 1.5 7. Install Windows Updates
- 1.6 8. Perform a System Restore
- 1.7 FAQs on Taskbar Missing or Disappeared on Windows 11
8 Best Ways to Fix Taskbar Disappeared or Missing on Windows 11
The Windows 11 taskbar is where you can find your favorite apps and the Start menu. But what if the taskbar suddenly disappears from your Windows 11 PC? The reason behind this could be anything from a glitchy system process to a buggy Windows build, but fixing the problem is not too difficult.
When the taskbar goes missing, opening apps or accessing system settings becomes difficult. This guide provides useful solutions to restore the missing taskbar quickly.
Step 2: Expand Taskbar behaviors and uncheck the box labeled ‘Automatically hide the taskbar.’
2. Restart the Windows Explorer Process
Windows Explorer is responsible for the graphical interface of utilities, including the taskbar. If this process has problems, the taskbar may randomly disappear. You can usually fix the issues by restarting Windows Explorer. Here are the steps:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer. Right-click on it and select Restart.
3. Re-Register Microsoft Store Apps Using PowerShell
Several users on the Microsoft Community restored the missing taskbar by re-registering system apps on Windows 11. If restarting the Windows Explorer process is ineffective, you can try this method.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type powershell in the Open field and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open PowerShell with admin rights. Step 2: In the console, type the command below and press Enter.
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers Foreach.
Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
4. Check the Windows Projection Settings
Incorrect projection settings can cause the taskbar to vanish from your Windows 11 computer. Changing the Windows Projection settings may help. Press the Windows key + P on your keyboard and select the PC screen only option from the menu that pops up.
5. Delete the Iris Service Configurations
Iris service on Windows fetches Windows Spotlight wallpapers and provides lock screen suggestions. If not configured correctly, issues may arise. Here’s how to fix it:
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” in the Open field and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with admin rights.
Step 2: In the console, paste the command and press Enter.
After running the command above, your PC will reboot and the taskbar will reappear.
Another reason why the taskbar may disappear or become unresponsive is if some system files on your PC have become corrupted. Windows has a useful SFC scan that can automatically fix any corrupted files. Here’s how to run it.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type “cmd” in the search box and press Enter.
Step 2: In the console, paste the command below and press Enter.
sfc/scannow.
Wait for the scan to complete and reboot your PC. After that, the taskbar should appear as before.
7. Install Windows Updates
It’s possible that the missing taskbar issue is due to a bug in your PC’s Windows build. If so, installing pending system updates should resolve it. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then go to the Windows Update tab and click Check for updates to download and install any pending updates.
8. Perform a System Restore
If you can’t restore the taskbar on Windows 11, perform a system restore. This will undo recent changes that may have caused the problem.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
Step 2: Switch to the System Protection tab and click the System Restore button.
Step 3: Select the Recommended restore option and click Next.
Step 4: Review all details before finishing.
Review all details before finishing.
FAQs on Taskbar Missing or Disappeared on Windows 11
If Windows 11 taskbar icons are missing, you can rebuild the icon cache or restart Windows Explorer to fix the problem.
Yes, you can make the Windows 11 taskbar transparent using the Settings app, Registry Editor, or third-party apps.
Hopefully, one of these solutions has helped you access the taskbar on your Windows PC. Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments.
Pankil Shah
Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer from Ahmedabad, India. Since joining Twothirds.Us in 2021, he has been writing how-tos and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, and the Web. He also contributes to MakeUseOf and Techwiser. Apart from writing, he enjoys using mechanical keyboards and is a passionate traveler, often planning international trips with his wife.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.