Windows 10 Taskbar Does Not Respond? Reasons and Solutions

Dec. 21, 2023 / Updated by Mindy to Windows 10

The taskbar at the bottom of win10 is a tool bar for users to quickly access commonly used applications, settings, notifications and other functions, but sometimes, it may appear unresponsive, that is, click on any icon or button on the taskbar there is no response, while the desktop and other programs can be used normally. This situation may affect the user's operating experience and efficiency, and even cause some functions to be unavailable. So, what are the reasons for this problem? How to fix it? This article will introduce you to some possible causes and solutions.

Reasons:

1. The taskbar is incorrectly set.

If the user turns off certain functions of the taskbar in the personalization settings, such as inquiries and interests, search box, time and date, etc., the taskbar may not display or respond properly. Users are advised to check and restore the default settings of the taskbar, or to turn the taskbar on or off as they like.

2. An error occurs in Windows Explorer.

Windows Explorer is a process responsible for managing the desktop, folders, taskbar and other interfaces. If it fails or freezes, the taskbar may not work properly. It is recommended that users restart Windows Explorer through Task Manager or reset Windows Explorer through PowerShell.

3. Driver or system update is incomplete.

If the user has an interruption or error while installing or updating the driver or system, it may cause the taskbar to not work properly. It is recommended that users check and update the driver or system, or restore the taskbar by system restore or system reinstall.

Solutions:

1. Check and restore the default settings of the taskbar.

(1) Click the Windows Start menu, select Settings, and then click Personalization.

(2) In the Personalization interface, select Start on the left, and turn off the option to show recently opened items in the Start menu or jump list in the taskbar, as well as in Quick Use in File Explorer.

(3) Select the taskbar on the left, and turn on or off the functions of the taskbar according to your preferences on the right, such as consultation and interest, search box, time and date, etc.

(4) Restart the computer and check whether the taskbar is back to normal.

2. Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.

(1) Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open the task Manager.

(2) First click on the first column name to sort by name so that the process name remains in the list.

(3) Find a process called Windows Explorer below, click restart in the lower right corner, and wait a few seconds for the problem to be solved.

3. Reset Windows Explorer with PowerShell.

(1) Press the Win+R key, open the run window, enter powershell, confirm to run PowerShell.

(2) In the command interface window of PowerShell, enter and run the following command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

(3) This command will reset the Microsoft Store, which may take some time, please wait for it to complete.

(4) Restart the computer and check whether the taskbar is back to normal.

4. Check and update the driver or system through Driver Talent.

(1) Install and open "Driver Talent" and click "Scan" for it to automatically detect the missing and outdated drivers and download and installl the corresponding driver matching the computer's model.

Download Driver Talent

(2) If the above methods can not solve the problem, the user can consider reinstalling the system, but need to pay attention to backup important data and files to avoid data loss.

The above is reasons and solutions for that the Windows 10 taskbar does not respond. I hope it was helpful. If you encounter driver problems related to network cards, graphics cards, Bluetooth, sound cards and other drivers, you can download "Driver Talent" for detection and repair, and Driver Talent supports driver download, driver installation, driver backup, and so on.

	ExplorerMax			Driver Talent for Network Card
	Smart and advanced file explorer tool for Windows platforms			Download & Install Network Drivers without Internet Connection
	30-day Free Trial			Free Download