When you install the latest version of Windows, the taskbar is the first thing you'll notice on the brand new operating system. Microsoft has completely redesigned the taskbar, placing app icons and the Start menu at the center. What good is a revamped taskbar when it stops working in the first place? Let's fix the Windows 11 taskbar not working.
Many users have reported that the Windows 11 taskbar is blocked or remains inactive when clicked. This is confusing because the taskbar is a core part of the Windows 11 operating system, and you want it to function as expected in a single attempt.
This post will list solutions that will allow you to restore the taskbar's functionality on Windows 11. Without further ado, let's get started.
1. Restart your computer to fix Windows 11 taskbar not working.
First, you can restart your computer. This is the most common way to fix common Windows 11 issues without resorting to advanced solutions.
because of Windows taskbar If it doesn't work, you won't be able to access the new Start menu to restart your Windows 11 PC. Instead, you can use the Alt + F4 keys and restart your PC from the drop-down menu.
When you restart, check your Windows 11 taskbar. If it still doesn't work, move on to the next solution.
2. Restart Taskbar Services to Fix Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working
The Windows 11 taskbar is part of the Windows Explorer services in the operating system. You can restart the service using Task Manager and try accessing the taskbar.
Step 1: Use Ctrl + Shift + Escape keys to open Task Manager on Windows 11 (since the Windows key won't work with a disabled taskbar, you need to use keyboard shortcuts to access these apps on Windows 11).
Step 2: Go to the Processes tab.
Step 3: Scroll down to Windows Processes.
Step 4: Find Windows Explorer from the list.
Step 5: Right click on it and select Restart.
Restart your computer again, and your taskbar should start working now.
3. End the system files task
If your Windows 11 taskbar still isn't working, you need to delete some system files on your computer. Here's how.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape to access Task Manager on Windows 11.
Step 2: Go to the Details tab from the menu bar.
Step 3: Right click on each service and end their task.
- ShellExperienceHost.exe
- SearchIndexer.exe
- SearchHost.exe
- RuntimeBroker.exe
4. Repair system files
Next, we will use Terminal to repair system files on Windows 11. Some corrupt system files are interfering with the Windows 11 taskbar. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Use Windows + R keys and open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type cmd and open a command terminal.
Enter the following commands and press Enter after each one.
Dism / Online / Cleanup Image / ScanHealth
Dism / Online / Cleanup Image / RestoreHealth
sfc / scannow
Windows 11 will execute these commands and repair corrupted files on your computer. Close the Command Prompt menu and try accessing the taskbar again.
5. Run a Windows Security Scan
If you're in the habit of installing apps and media from unverified sources on the web, you may have infected your Windows 11 system with viruses and malicious files. These files could disrupt essential Windows 11 functions like the taskbar andMicrosoft Store And file manager.
The Windows 11 taskbar may not be working due to corrupted files on your computer. You need to scan your computer with an antivirus program. Don't worry, though. You don't need to invest in any third-party antivirus software. You can use Microsoft's excellent Windows Security tool to remove malicious files on your computer. Make the changes from the steps below.
Step 1: Use Windows + I keys and open the Windows Settings menu.
Step 2: Go to Privacy & Security and open the Windows Security menu.
Step 3: Open Windows Security from the following menu.
Step 4: Go to Virus & Threat Protection and run a quick scan of your computer.
Allow Microsoft to remove malicious files and fix the Windows 11 taskbar not working issue.
6. Update Windows operating system
An outdated Windows 11 build may cause the taskbar to malfunction on your computer. You need to update Windows 11 to the latest version and reboot the taskbar.
Use the Windows + I keys to open the Windows Settings menu. Go to the Update menu and install the latest version on your computer.
Use the taskbar in Windows 11
The taskbar plays a significant role in your Windows 11 experience. A malfunctioning taskbar can frustrate you with Microsoft's new operating system. The steps above should help you fix the Windows 11 taskbar not working and resolve the issue.