At the same time, some users said that their entire taskbar disappeared after installing the newer version of Windows. You may also be going through the same annoying situation but don’t worry. Here in this article, we have explained all the working ways to get back missing Taskbar icons in Windows 11.
What Causes Windows 11 Taskbar Glitch?
What Causes Windows 11 Taskbar Glitch?
The exact cause of the Windows 11 taskbar glitch is unclear since different users reported different reasons. Yet, below are some causes for Windows 11 Taskbar glitch.
Recent Windows Update Error Iris Service Glitch Use of Dual Screen Incorrect Time and Date Issues With Microsoft Windows Store & Framework Language Pack Removal Glitch Corrupted System Files Outdated Display Drivers Cache Issues Incorrect Taskbar Settings
Fix Taskbar Icons Missing/Not Showing in Windows 11
Fix Taskbar Icons Missing/Not Showing in Windows 11
Microsoft regularly releases new updates, and it is essential to install those updates to keep your system up-to-date. If you haven’t updated your PC in a really long time and facing the missing Taskbar icons issues, then you should install pending Windows 11 updates. Many Windows users resolved the issue by rebooting their Windows 11 PCs, and you can try this too. In case this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can start applying the below-mentioned solutions to get back the missing Taskbar icons in Windows 11.
1. Try Using A Single Monitor
Many Windows 11 users encountered the issue because of using two different monitors simultaneously. Fortunately, the problem was resolved immediately after disconnecting the second monitor. if you have a dual monitor setup you can try disconnecting the second monitor. If disconnecting the second monitor resolves the issue, then you should stop using the second monitor until you find a lasting solution.
2. Repin the App Again
It is likely possible that you have mistakenly unpinned the missing icons, and that’s why they aren’t showing in the Taskbar now. You can try repinning your preferable icons again and see if they start appearing in the Taskbar. You can quickly pin the icons in the taskbar with a single click.
3. Check Date and Time
Date and time play a vital role in the proper functioning of the taskbar. It is possible that your system’s date and time are wrong, preventing the taskbar from working properly. In that case, you need to make sure that the date and time of your system are set correctly. You can verify your machine’s time and date configuration from the Time & language settings.
4. Disable Automatically Hide the Taskbar Option
Windows comes with a personalization option that automatically hides the taskbar without letting you know about it. If this feature is enabled on your Windows 11 PC, it will automatically hide the Taskbar. You need to ensure the Automatic hide the Taskbar feature is disabled on your PC. Follow the steps to check the same.
5. Log Out From Your PC and Log In Again
Logging out and Logging in again is one of the easiest fixes to bring back the missing taskbar icons. Several Windows 11 users have reported logging out from their Windows 11 PC and then login in again after a few minutes fixed the missing Taskbar icons for them. They also added that you should use the same Outlook account throughout the entire process.
6. Restart the Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer is an essential Windows program that helps you access all the files stored in your storage drives in one place. Many programs use Windows Explorer for smoother functioning, and the taskbar is no excpetion. In some cases, it is found that improper functioning of the Windows Explorer program can cause the issue. A set of users tried restarting the Windows Explorer program, and it brought back the missing Taskbar icons. Below are the steps to restart Windows Explorer in Windows 11.
7. Delete IRIS Service
According to a blog by Microsoft, the leading cause of the issue is the IrisService Registry key. However, the officials haven’t reported the exact reason behind the IrisService Registry key causing the problem. The issue is related to IrisService Reg. key, and deleting this file will possibly resolve the issue. You need to create a CMD task that automatically deletes the IRIS service. Follow the steps to do so.
8. Delete IconStreams File & PastIconStreams Using Registry Editor
Like any other program or application, the taskbar also creates caches to function properly every time you try to use it. In many situations, it is found that deleting the cache resolves the problem immediately. You can also try clearing the taskbar cache. However, you need to remove the IconStreams and PastIconStreams cache from the Registry File Editor. However you can easily do so with the help of below steps.
9. Tweak TaskbarSd Settings
All of the taskbar-related settings are stored in the Registry Editor. Some Windows users noted that they encountered this issue because of incorrect TaskbarSd settings. It could likely be the same in your case. In that case, the first and foremost step is to ensure that your TaskbarSd settings are correct. You also need to make a few essential changes. Follow the below-mentioned steps to tweak the TaskbarSd settings without any errors.
10. Re-register Task Bar
One of the most common solutions to fix the taskbar icons missing issue in Windows 11 is by re-registering the entire taskbar and its essential files. You can re-register the taskbar by simply executing a command in the Terminal app.
11. Fix Microsoft Store-Related Errors Using Microsoft Troubleshooter
One of the causes of this issue is the errors in your Microsoft Store app. There is a possibility that Microsoft Store has some bugs and errors causing missing Taskbar icons. You can search and fix all the errors using the Windows Microsoft Store troubleshooter.
12. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
Several Windows users faced the missing taskbar or icons glitch after updating the PC to the newer version. If this is the same with your case, one of the ways to get out of this is to uninstall recent Windows updates. Uninstalling Windows Updates will remove all the recently installed updates and roll back to the previous version. You can easily do this by following the below steps.
13. Use Disk Cleanup Tool
Taskbar icons are also a type of file. It is possible that some of the icon files have been damaged. As a result, they have gone missing from the Taskbar. Cleaning files related to the taskbar can fix the issue. In that case, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. The tool lets you clean and frees up space on your hard disk. Follow the below steps to use the Disk Cleanup tool.
14. Run DISM and SFC Scan
DISM and SFC scans are one of the most working solutions that fix almost all Windows-related problems. Sometimes application files get corrupted and start malfunctioning. This could be the same with the taskbar. It is likely that your taskbar-related files may be corrupted due to any reason. You can run DISM, and SFC scans to fix all the corrupted system files. Follow the below-mentioned process to run DISM and SFC scans on your Windows 11 PC.
Run DISM Scan
Run SFC Scan
15. Reset the PC
None of the above fixes work for you? You can try resetting the PC while keeping all your data intact. All your Windows settings will return to their default state during this process. It might help you get back the missing Taskbar icons. Below are the steps to reset a Windows 11 PC.
16. Clean Install Windows 11
If none of the above-mentioned solutions works, then as a last resort, you can try reinstalling Windows 11 on your system. We are sure it will fix the taskbar icons missing issue. Follow the below steps to install Windows 11 using the ISO file.
How Do I Restore My Taskbar Icons?
Right-click on the Desktop and select Properties. Then, click on the Desktop tab. After that, click on the click Customize desktop. Now, click on the General option, and at last, click on the icons you want to add to the desktop.
How Do I Fix Taskbar Icons Not Working?
One of the solutions to the taskbar icons not working issue is restarting the Windows Explorer of your Windows 11 PC. Restarting Windows Explorer will forcibly shut down all the programs, applications, and related tasks. You can restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager.
Why Is My Taskbar Not Showing Pinned Apps?
There could be several causes for the taskbar not showing pinned apps, such as incorrect time and date, cache issues, incorrect TaskbarSd settings, etc. In many cases, it is also found that improper functioning of Windows Explorer causes the problem.
How Do I Show All Icons in Taskbar?
Right-click on the Desktop and select Personalize from the menu. Then, head to the Taskbar in the Personalize settings. Scroll down and search for the Other system tray icons option. Click the Other system tray icons option to expand the settings. Toggle on all the icons you want to show in the taskbar tray.
How Do I Make Hidden Icons Visible?
Press Window + I to open the Settings app on your Windows 11. Open the Personalize settings from the left sidebar. Then, search for the Taskbar items section. Now, toggle off the icon you don’t want to show in the taskbar.
Final Words
Final Words
Taskbar makes the work a lot easier by letting you open your favorite applications with a click. However, the inaccessibility of the taskbar can ruin the whole user experience. We have discussed some tried and tested solutions to eliminate the taskbar icons missing issue in Windows 11. You can try the above-mentioned solutions to overcome this issue. By the way, don’t forget to mention which fix worked well for you?
