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Yes, it's certainly the drop shadow problem. I've been analysing this Copilot since upgrading to W11 a couple of weeks ago. It's astonishing. Stack or snap 8 windows near the taskbar, and the icons become unreadable.
Windows 11 Taskbar Dims When Certain Apps Are Opened
Daniel Needemyer
40
Reputation points
Just today, all the icons on my taskbar started dimming when certain apps are opened. I can't figure out what is causing this. I tried to get a screenshot but capture the dimmed icons.
Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
4 answers
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Daniel Needemyer 40 Reputation points
2025-10-20T23:14:40.96+00:00 I figured it out. It is the drop shadow on Windows. The drop shadow would impede the taskbar when a window was close to the bottom.
Here's how to disable the drop shadow. I used the registry option.
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EmilyS_726 16,870 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2025-10-20T19:52:00.94+00:00 This is not a Windows feature. It is typically an OEM utility feature. What's your computer's brand?
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Daniel Needemyer 40 Reputation points
2025-10-20T20:00:59.2266667+00:00 This just started today. I've had the PC for over a year.
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EmilyS_726 16,870 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-10-20T20:04:51.1166667+00:00 Hmm.. I was aware of a feature from HP. Not familiar with Beelink.
Do a clean boot using this instruction: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd
Make sure you follow the instruction closely and do NOT disable the Microsoft services.
Then see if you still see this same issue.
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Domic Vo 21,150 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-10-20T19:46:44.1266667+00:00 Hello Daniel,
This issue may be related to a recent update, display settings, or background system processes. Here are a few steps you can try to resolve or further diagnose the behavior:
1. Restart Windows Explorer This can refresh the taskbar and resolve temporary glitches:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Locate Windows Explorer, right-click, and select Restart
2. Check for Pending Updates Ensure your system is fully updated:
Go to Settings > Windows Update
Install any available updates and restart your device
3. Review Taskbar Personalization Settings
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar
Disable any experimental features or third-party taskbar enhancements
4. Test in Clean Boot Mode This helps identify if background services or apps are interfering:
Open System Configuration (msconfig)
Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all
Restart your PC and observe the taskbar behavior
5. Check Display Drivers Outdated or incompatible display drivers can affect UI rendering:
Open Device Manager > Display adapters
Right-click your graphics driver and select Update driver
Let me know how it goes, and if this answer helps, feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too 😊 T&B, Domic.