The Taskbar is a crucial component of the Windows desktop, featuring the Start menu, Cortana search icon, currently open programs, system tray, notification area, date, and time. Sometimes, it disappears. Do you know what could be causing this issue and how to restore it? Well, if not. No need to look any further. We have created this guide to resolve the taskbar disappearance or missing error in Windows 10.
Why the Windows Taskbar Disappeared
Several factors could lead to the item disappearing problem. Here are some possible reasons:
- The taskbar might be set to auto-hide and is, therefore, not visible on the desktop.
- File Explorer could be encountering issues or might have crashed.
- Your display resolution setting may exceed the original dimensions of your computer screen.
- Corrupted System Files.
- Malware Attack.
How To Fix Taskbar Disappeared Or Missing On Windows PC
Method 1: Disable Full Screen View
The Windows OS allows users to view their PC screen in Full-Screen mode, removing any obstructions, including the Taskbar. This mode can be enabled by pressing the F11 key on your keyboard. Remember to press the Fn key in the last row along with F11 to activate Full-Screen Mode. Pressing the same keys again disables Full-Screen Mode.
So, if you find no taskbar on your desktop, press the Fn + F11 keys to check if the Full-Screen mode has been accidentally turned on.
Method 2: Unhide Your Taskbar
Did you know that you can hide your taskbar on a Windows PC? Once hidden, it only appears when you take your mouse cursor to the bottom of your screen. However, there are reports that sometimes it gets stuck and does not appear due to an unknown bug. In this case, you can turn off the Auto Hide feature and keep it locked to the bottom of your screen. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + I to open Windows Settings, and then click on the Personalization tab in the left panel.
Step 2: Scroll down on the right side and click on Taskbar.
Step 3: Next, locate and click on the Taskbar Behaviour option.
Step 4: Finally, uncheck the box next to the Automatically Hide The Taskbar option.
If the checkbox was unchecked, the issue is more serious than we initially thought. To fix this issue, follow the next method.
Method 3: Reset The Display Resolution
An incorrect resolution can cause the taskbar to disappear on the Windows PC. Therefore, it’s important to choose a resolution that is optimal for your computer screen. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings.
Step 2: Click on the System tab in the left panel, followed by clicking Display on the right side.
Step 3: Now, click the dropdown next to Display Resolution and choose the Recommended Resolution.
Read Also: How To Turn Down Brightness On PC
Method 4: Alter The Screen Projection Settings
If you connect your PC to larger screens and project your laptop’s screens via projectors, then there is a possibility that Taskbar disappears. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Press Win + P and choose the PC Screen Only option.
Thats it! This should solve the problem and restore your taskbar display on your computer’s screen.
Method 5: Reboot Windows Explorer
If you are still unable to view the Taskbar, you have to restart your Explorer Process. It is quite simple to do with the following steps:
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Step 2: At the top, locate the search bar and type “explorer.”
Step 3: The Windows Explorer Process will be highlighted as the search result.
Step 4: Right-click on this process and click on the Restart option from the context menu. 
The taskbar area might suddenly go black, and you will notice certain strange changes. If the PC does not come back to its normal state, then follow the next step.
Step 5: Look for the “Run New Task” option under the search bar and click on it.
Step 6: A small box will appear. In it, type “explorer.exe” and click the OK button.
Your Taskbar will be restored, and everything will be back to normal. If you get stuck in the middle of these steps, just physically press the Power button on your computer and restart it.
Method 6: Update Graphics Driver
Drivers are essential for the smooth operation of your system, ensuring proper communication between hardware and software. In this case, the issue may lie with the graphics driver, which can be updated in three different ways:
1. Update Via OEM Website
Visit your hardware manufacturer’s official website. Enter your model number to find and download the drivers that are compatible with your hardware.
2. Update Via Device Manager
Access Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager from the Power menu. In Device Manager, expand the Display Adapters section to locate your graphics card. Right-click on it and choose Update Drivers.
Read Also: Fixed Error: Driver irql_less_or_not_equal on Windows 10
3. Update Via Advanced Driver Updater
Advanced Driver Updater is a third-party software designed to help users update all drivers on their PC with just a few clicks. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Download and install Advanced Driver Updater using the Download button below.
Step 2: Open the app and click the Start Scan Now button.
Step 3: The screen will display a list of drivers requiring updates. Click the Update button next to the Graphics driver.
Step 4: Reboot your PC.
Method 7: Carry Out A System Restore
If this issue has arisen recently, you can use System Restore to revert your PC to a state before the problem begins. This can help resolve user account corruption and address any path or settings issues causing Windows to create temporary profiles. Here’s how to proceed:
- Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog and type “rstrui.exe.”
- Click OK to launch the System Restore utility.
- Select a restore point before the issue starts, then click Next and Finish.
Note: Your data will remain intact, but this process will undo changes to Windows settings and remove any programs installed after the selected restore point.
Method 8: Run A Malware Scan
Malware on your system causes issues and errors on your PC. Hence, running a scan for infections will help identify and delete the malware from your system. You may run a malware scan with any antivirus software of your choice, but if you’re using Windows Security, follow these steps:
Step 1. Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security.”
Step 2. Select the appropriate result under Best Match to open the Windows Security interface.
Step 3. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
Step 4: Click Scan Options and choose the Full Scan option.
Step 5: Finally, click the Scan Now button and wait for the app to scan your PC.
Method 9: Update Your Windows
Simple Windows updates can fix many minor and major errors. Keep your PC updated at all times. Here are the steps to begin a Windows Update.
Step 1: Press the Win key, type “Check For Updates,” and click on the relevant result.
Step 2: Click the “Check For Updates” button in the settings window.
Step 3: After the updates have been completed, reboot the PC.
Read Also: Instantly Fix Taskbar Icons Missing Error on Windows
Method 10: Run System File Checker
The System File Checker helps users scan and replace corrupt system files, which may help fix the Taskbar issue. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “cmd.”
Step 2: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt in the admin mode.
Step 3: The Command Prompt window will open. You must copy and paste the following command and the Enter key.
sfc /scannow
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete and then exit the command prompt to restart the computer to check if the issue persists.
Method 11: Activate Deployment Image Servicing And Management
Like SFC, the DISM is also an in-built tool that helps scan and fix files and folders on your PC. Here are the steps to run this tool:
Step 1: Press the Win key and type cmd.
Step 2: The Command Prompt tool will appear under best match. Click on Run as Administrator.
Step 3: If you receive a UAC prompt box, click Yes.
Step 4: Copy and paste the following command with the Enter key.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete and then exit the command prompt to restart the computer to check if the issue persists.
Method 12: Create A New User Account
If you cannot see the Taskbar, consider creating a new account and deleting the old one. In Windows Settings, go to Accounts -> Other Users, and click Add Account to set up a new account. Be sure to create it as an administrator account.
Once you’ve created the new account, transfer your data from the old account by copying and pasting the files from the Users folder on the system drive. After transferring the data, you can delete the corrupted profile from the Other Users page.
Method 13: Reset Windows
The final step to fix the Taskbar disappearing issue is to reset your PC. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for ‘Reset this PC.’ Then, select the appropriate option from the search results.
Step 2. Click on “Reset PC.”
Step 3. Select “Keep my files.”
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the reset process for your Windows computer.
Tip : While Windows offers an option to keep your data during a reset, it is advisable to manually back up your files externally to avoid any potential data loss.
Read Also: How To Backup & Restore Windows 10 System Files
Is Your Taskbar Visible On Your PC Screen?
We hope that the above methods have helped you fix the Taskbar disappearing or missing issue on your Windows PC. Please write to us in the comments section below about how you think the error occurred and which method helped you fix it.
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