If you are a Windows user and upgrade your computer from time to time, then this article may help you. Many users face the problem of disappearing system icons from the taskbar after a small update or major upgrade. In this guide, we share how to restore hidden taskbar icons in Windows 11/10.
There can be several reasons due to which this can happen. Users may face the problem of hidden icons from the position it was pinned on the taskbar. A similar problem users may face is the blank selected area on the toolbar when a window is open.
How To Restore Hidden Taskbar Icons in Windows 11/10
This problem could be the corruption of some system files or your user account. There are methods by which you can try to restore those icons.
- Restart Windows Explorer
- Run SFC
- Use the DISM tool
- App troubleshooter
You will need admin permission for some of these.
1] Restart File Explorer
- Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager
- In the Process tab, locate Windows Explorer
- Right-click on it, and then choose to Restart.
Once you do that, everything will disappear for a flick of a second and then come back. It should bring back the icons if the problem is minor.
2] Running SFC Scan/System File Checker
- Press the Windows button + X on your keyboard.
- Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Type:
sfc /scannowand press enter. - Once the scan is complete, type exit and press the Enter key.
This process will search for the corrupt system files and will repair them. After completing the scan, restart your machine, and the disappeared icons should be back. If the above method doesn’t solve your problem, you can try the following.
3] Run DISM Tool
Deployment Image Servicing and Management or DISM is a system tool that can fix system files.
- Press the Windows button + X on your keyboard.
- Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Then type:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand press the Enter key
This process will enable the DSIM Tool and will restore the health of your Windows 11/10 image. It will restore your version of Windows to its initial state to work smoothly.
Here restore doesn’t mean removing the user’s data and resetting the whole OS. It will just restore system files to their initial states.
This process will bring back your lost icons. But, if this process is also not helpful to you, you might try the method given below. This method may prove to be your last resort.
4] Run the App Troubleshooter to restore hidden taskbar icons
- Open Windows Settings (Win + I)
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Run the Windows Store apps troubleshooters.
It is especially if the missing icons belong to Windows Store apps. Once you run the troubleshooter, it should bring back the icons. Keep in mind that it takes some time to reflect on the changes. So always keep restarting your PC as soon as some changes like the above are done.
All the methods mentioned above are tried and proven ones. If you are still facing the issue, you may have to clean install fresh new Windows on your machine. Sometimes the reason behind such behavior of a device is due to some Viruses and Malware.
