'Taskbar not working' Issue
The taskbar is an incredibly useful and convenient portion of the visual interface or Graphical User Interface (GUI) of Windows systems. Although it can be customized to a great degree, the taskbar's default appearance is that of a long strip running alongside the bottom of the screen. The taskbar provides quick access to the Start menu, pinned applications, open windows and select applications that are running in the background currently. Being so prevalent means that a large number of users are bound to experience some issues or malfunctions. One such potential problem is the appearance of the 'Taskbar not working' issue.
The reasons causing this particular error could be specific for the system of the user, but there are still some solutions that are worth trying. For starts, it may be a good idea to see if the built-in Windows troubleshooter can puck up and fix the issue. To start the troubleshooter, open the Windows 'Settings' menu and click on 'Update & Security.' On the window that appears, click on Troubleshoot on its left side, then move to 'Windows Store applications,' which should be located in the list on the right. Select it and click on 'Run the troubleshooter.'
A solution with a high chance of fixing the 'Taskbar not working' issue restarts the File Explorer process (it also may be labeled as Windows Explorer depending on the system). Users will have to start the Task Manager by pressing the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously. In the window that emerges, scroll through the list displayed under the 'Processes' tab until you have located File Explorer (Windows Explorer). Right-click it and from the menu that appears, click on 'End task.' This should force the File Explorer to relaunch and hopefully, fixing the 'Taskbar not working issue.'
Although a bit more complex method, users might try to do a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan to fix the issue. To start, however, they will need to have an elevated Command prompt running first. To do so, type 'command prompt' in the Search field, right-click the result and select 'Run as administrator.' Now that we have the required Command Prompt running, input the DISM/Online /Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth command. Wait for the scan to complete, restart your computer and check if the 'Taskbar not working issue' has disappeared.
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Use Windows Troubleshooting
Windows comes with several troubleshooter programs to diagnose and resolve problems with your computer. These troubleshooters can't solve all your problems, but they are the best place to start if you run into issues with your operating system or computer. Start troubleshooting your issue by opening Settings and then "Update and Security."
Choose "Troubleshoot" from the left-side menu and then "Windows Store Apps" This runs a program to troubleshoot issues that prevent the taskbar from working correctly. Click on "Run the troubleshooter" to get started.
Restart Windows File Explorer
File Explorer is the program responsible for displaying files, folders, and drives on a computer. Files Explorer lets you see, open, move, rename, and search for files. Restarting the program could potentially solve your taskbar problems, as the taskbar falls under File Explorer.
You'll have to open Task Manager to do this. Hold the Control+Shift keys and press Escape to load Task Manager. Find the "Winodws Explorer" or "File Explorer" option under "Processes" and right-click on it. Choose the option to "End Task" or "Restart" to relaunch Windows Explorer. This should correct the issue, at least temporarily. If the problem persists, taking this step simplifies the rest of the process.
Run a DISM Scan Using Command Prompt
You may need to use a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DSIM) scan to resolve the problem. DISM scans find and repair Windows images, including Windows Setup, Windows Recovery Environment, and Windows PE.
Start by opening the Command Prompt with administrator privileges. The Command Program lets you use text commands on Windows. The application is included with almost every version of windows. These text commands run scripts and batch files to automate tasks, troubleshoot and fix issues, and perform advanced administrator tasks.
Open Task Manager as in the previous step, click on "File" and then "Run New Task." If you can't see the File menu in Task Manager, you need to click on the "More Details" option at the bottom of the window to display a more advanced version of the window, including the top menu.
Type "CMD" in the Create New Task window and check the box to run the program with administrative privileges. Click "OK" to start an advanced version of Command Prompt.
Type the command "DISM//Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth" into the Command Prompt and hit Enter to run the command. Please wait while the scan works to find and correct errors. Restart your computer after the scan finishes and see if that solves your taskbar not working issue.
Re-Register Cortana and ShellExperienceHost
This option requires you to use PowerShell, which Windows uses to automate tasks and handle configurations. PowerShell uses a command-line shell and a scripting language to execute commands. Right-click the start button and choose "PowerShell (Admin." If you can't see this option, start Command Prompt with Admin privileges and type "PowerShell," and press Enter to launch the program.
Type and execute the following command to re-register Cortana; "Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register “$($_.InstallLocation)appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode}".
Use this command to re-register ShellExperienceHost; "Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register “$($_.InstallLocation)appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode}"
Update Windows
If you're having problems using the taskbar, you should try checking Windows for updates. Windows components can get corrupted, and Windows Updates are often used to update and fix those broken components. Open the Settings screen and check "Updates and Security" to see any available updates.
The program should take you to the Windows Update screen automatically. Click the option to check for Updates and wait for Windows to scan. Install available updates, restart your computer, and then check for updates again to ensure you have the latest Windows version.
Use a Restore Point to Restore Your System
The System Restore tool uses restore points to correct computer problems. These restore points represent a collection of critical system files saved at a specific date. System Restore returns your computer to the state it was in when the restore point was created. Please keep in mind you need to restore points to use System Restore, or your computer has nothing to go back to and won't work. System Restore gets your computer back to a working state without affecting personal files.
Start System Restore by launching the Run command by pressing the Windows Key and R. Type "restrui.exe" into the command prompt and click OK to get started.
The window that appears displays potential restore points. Click the "Show More Restore Points" option if you can't find an option that suits your needs. Choose the appropriate restore point, then click "Next" to get started. Please don't choose a restore point from when you had problems, or you won't solve anything.
Click "Finish" to restore your computer to the chosen point and hopefully fix the issue.
Start Application Identity Service
Use the Run command (Windows Key and R) to start the Application Identity Service. Type "Services.msc" into the Run window and click "OK." Find the "Application Identity" service in the new Services window. Right-click the option and then choose "Start." See if the problem is solved when the service finishes.