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START/TASKBAR Corrupt?

Howard M 0 Reputation points
2026-01-12T10:57:14.2966667+00:00

So, upgraded to latest Win 10, have done a HD and RAM check and all are fine. Virus scan says nothing bad.

Some reason when logging into the PC, and after the initial startup apps run, I try to click ANY ICON on the Taskbar, or go to START and type in something simple like System Info, and everything I try to run takes about 5 minutes to load.

Now the strange thing is, if I instead CTRL 2x and use Listary to run something its instant.

Once something has opened, and I close and run it, sometimes its fast from taskbar etc.

Feels like a virus? But again there isnt one. Its so strange how things wont run for 5-10 mins unless I use Listary or go to an apps .exe file and run it directly?!

I try to run all sorts of crap in the PowerShell suggested by CoPilot but I keep getting red errors saying either the cmds are not right, or cant run something because something is using it or open or I dont have access (even though Im running Admin Powershell!)

Please help!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Emmanuel Santana 39,040 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-12T14:47:22.9933333+00:00

    Hello. Does the delay also happen in a brand-new local user account, or only in your current profile? Try creating a new user account, see if the issue persists.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-01-12T10:58:26.6833333+00:00

    It sounds like you are experiencing performance issues with the Start menu and Taskbar after upgrading to Windows 10. Here are some troubleshooting steps that might help resolve the issue:

    1. Check Background Tasks Infrastructure Service: Ensure that the Background Tasks Infrastructure Service is set to automatic startup. If it's not running, it can cause delays in the Start menu and Taskbar functionality. You can check this in the Services MMC.
    2. Tile Data Layer Corruption: If the Taskbar or Start menu is slow or unresponsive, it could be due to corruption in the Tile Data Layer. You can try running the following command in an elevated Command Prompt to re-register and reset the layout: 
         C:\Windows\System32\tdlrecover.exe -reregister -resetlayout -resetcache
      Although a reboot isn't required, it may help clear up any residual issues.
    3. Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your system is running the latest Feature and Cumulative Monthly updates, as updates often include fixes for performance issues.
    4. Event Logs: Check the System and Application event logs for any errors that might indicate what is causing the delays. Look for logs related to the Start menu or Taskbar.
    5. Permissions Issues: If you're encountering access errors in PowerShell, ensure that your user account has the necessary permissions to execute the commands. You might also want to check if any Group Policy settings are affecting access to certain features.

    If the problem persists after trying these steps, consider performing a clean boot to see if a third-party application is causing the issue.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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