6 Fixes for Taskbar Missing or Disappeared on Windows
There are primarily two reasons why Taskbar may disappear on your Windows computer—system settings and bugs. It is also a common issue many PC users face. If you have already tried updating OS, restart,reinstallation, etc., read below.
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Table of Contents
1. Taskbar Settings
Taskbar settings allow users to autohide the Taskbar so that it only appears when you hover mouse over the bottom of the screen momentarily. This is to remove distraction and provide more screen estate to open windows. Useful for PCs with small screens. You can disable that.
While disabled by default if you or someone with access to your PC has enabled it, you can disable it quickly.
1.PressWindows key+Ito open Settings and go toPersonalization > Taskbar. ExpandTaskbar behaviorsmenu.
2.Toggle offAutomatically hide the taskbarand toggle onShow my taskbar on all displays.
You can also change the Taskbar location using the dropdown menu. Is your Taskbar appearing on the side of the screen?
2. Restart Windows Explorer
Save all open work and files before moving on with this step as it will close all open windows including the article you are reading.
PressCtrl+Shift+Esc keysto open the Task Manager. FindWindows Explorerentry under the Processes tab. Right-click on it and selectRestart.
3. Display Resolution
Did you change the display resolution of the monitor recently? It is also possible the display settings changed due to a change in the hardware (new monitor) or some bug resulting in the Taskbar disappearing on the desktop.
1.Right-click on the desktop and selectDisplay settings.
2.Go for theRecommended optionbut if that fails to restore the missing Taskbar then try a different resolution. See if one of them works for you.
4. Windows Projection Settings
Microsoft made it easier to project your computer’s screen on two different monitors using the Projection feature. PressWindows key+Pto reveal a pop-up from the side of the screen. Ensure thatPC Screen onlyis selected here if you use a single monitor setup.
Is Taskbar still missing on your computer? Read on.
5. Run SFC Scan
Someuserswere able to resolve this error by running SFC and DISM scans. SFC Scan will scan the system files’ integrity andrepair them if needed.
1.Open theCommand Promptfrom the Start menu withadmin rights.
2.You will give the commands below, one at a time, and wait for it to run its course.
6. Restore Point
Your computer creates arestore pointevery few days or when it detects a major change. Restoring to a previous point in time will restore or revert all the changes made since then reversing the errors and bugs that you are facing sometimes. No personal data will be lost in the process so it is perfectly safe to follow the steps.
1.Search for ‘restore’ in the Start menu and openCreate a Restore Pointoption.
2.A new pop-up window will open that will say System Properties. ensure theProtection is onfor your system drive at the least. If not, select it and click onConfigureto enable and allocate space for the backup.
3.If the option is already enabled for C drive where you have installed the Windows OS (usually the default drive), click onSystem Restoreinstead. Click onNextto choose a backup based on the event it was created before. In my case, it was created right before a major update was installed.
You may have more than one restore point available. In that case, choose the one when you remember the Taskbar was not missing and working correctly.
Follow the on-screen instructions after that. Note that the process will take some time so make sure the laptop is connected to a power outlet.
Gaurav Bidasaria
Gaurav is an editor here at TechWiser but also contributes as a writer. He has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and has written how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and in-depth explainers on Windows, Android, web, and cloud apps, and the Apple ecosystem.
He loves tinkering with new gadgets and learning about new happenings in the tech world.
He has previously worked on Guiding Tech, Make Tech Easier, and other prominent tech blogs and has over 1000+ articles that have been read over 50 million times.
