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Empty taskbar window called "DesktopWindowXamlSource" tied to OneDrive

Anonymous
2023-01-13T15:37:04+00:00

Ever since the most recent OneDrive update, I keep getting this empty "window" in my taskbar: called "DesktopWindowXamlSource". When I click it, nothing happens.

If I right click it and close it, OneDrive closes. If I close OneDrive, the empty "window" icon disappears. So they are directly connected. Otherwise, with OneDrive open, it stays there forever and takes up space. From what I understand, it may have to do something with the new UI? Feels like a massive glitch...

It's extremely frustrating! Please help!

OneDrive version 22.248.1127.0001 (64-bit)

Insider Preview is turned OFF

Windows 10 Enterprise, 10.0.19045 Build 19045

HP EliteBook 840 G7 Notebook

What I have tried:

  • Currently I have a business account added. If I add a personal account, the task icon doubles - two of them appear!
  • resetted OneDrive, still there
  • uninstalled, and then reinstalled - same issue
  • reinstalled (without uninstalling) - same issue
  • closing OneDrive-related tasks/services - soon as I open OneDrive back up, reappears

It's clearly related to the UI, something is hanging up and it's an obvious glitch. It needs a programming fix from Microsoft.

As it appears on my desktop...

Here it is again if I hover over the icon:

When I left click on it, nothing happens.

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-16T09:14:32+00:00

    I have worked around this issue by changing a setting under my Multi-tasking settings

    1. Right click blank area of Desktop
    2. Select Display Settings
    3. In the Find a setting box type Multi-Tasking
    4. Select Multi-tasking settings
    5. Under the heading of Virtual Desktops towards the bottom change On the taskbar, show windows that are open to be Only the desktop I'm using

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-14T04:53:44+00:00

    Same issue here.

    It looks like the new UI as you say (with the Win10 style Settings box) is related to the problem.

    Before the v22.253.1204.0001 update I had the version with the classic Win7 style Settings box (pictured) which doesn't have the problem:

    Uninstalling 22.253.1204.0001 and installing 22.248.1127.0001 has fixed the problem. Original UI, no dummy DesktopWindowXamlSource window, no oddball prompt to "Sign in to SharePoint" since the new version runs a new executable, Microsoft SharePoint:

    This "Microsoft.SharePoint.exe" is likely misbehaving and producing the DesktopWindowXamlSource window anomaly.

    Dear Devs, I can't say it enough: Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test! Test!

    7 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-01-18T09:03:59+00:00

    I have worked around this issue by changing a setting under my Multi-tasking settings

    1. Right click blank area of Desktop
    2. Select Display Settings
    3. In the Find a setting box type Multi-Tasking
    4. Select Multi-tasking settings
    5. Under the heading of Virtual Desktops towards the bottom change On the taskbar, show windows that are open to be Only the desktop I'm using

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-01-17T06:20:13+00:00

    Hi respected Pete Stamas and skoliver1,

    Thanks for your valuable feedback. You can post back anytime when you free or need further help. I will still keep monitoring this case for you.

    In the meantime, I would like to make a summary on this issue and build on the response from Andy Bushman. This will also help other community members to find solution much easier of they come across the same situation:

    Issue Description:

    Empty taskbar window called "DesktopWindowXamlSource" show in Windows task bar.

    Environment:

    Office 365 for business. 

    OneDrive for business.

    As a workaround you may change the Windows OS setting under my Multitasking via click on "Only the desktop I'm using".

    Workaround:

    1.Go to Windows setting click Display Settings

    2.Select Multitasking settings.

    1. Under the Virtual Desktops select "Only the desktop I'm using".

    Image

    Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!

    Sincerely,

    Waqas Muhammad

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-01-21T14:37:42+00:00

    Can confirm that this worked for me too.

    However, it should be noted to @microsoft that this is just a workaround. It does not actually fix the issue. It just hides it, and only if you choose not to use Windows' virtual desktop feature w/ the icons showing up on each desktop.

    Thanks @andy bushman!

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments