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All icons or apps disappeared in windows 11 pc and can’t open taskbar apps (they can run but can’t be accessed)

Anonymous
2024-12-23T10:42:07+00:00

Randomly, the apps in my desktop all disappeared but only the taskbar apps remain. When I tried opening them, it doesn’t actually open but runs in the background. The only app I can access is the file explorer and nothing else. I’ve entered windows recovery mode and attempted to run disk checks but there was no change whatsoever. All my files and apps are still located in the file explorer. Also, my wallpaper engine still works. And yes, I have show desktop icons on. Another thing worth noting is that I can’t open registry editor, command prompt, settings or even create a new user.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-12-23T11:30:41+00:00

    Hello Dave, thanks for replying,

    I believe that there was an update before the issue occurred.

    Unfortunately, I restarted my pc 4 times as you directed but nothing has changed.

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  2. DaveM121 872.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-12-23T11:14:49+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Was there a Windows update on your PC before this problem happened, most likely you are logged into a temporary user profile.

    Restart (not shut down) your PC 4 times, each time let your PC get to the Desktop before the next restart, this will fix this issue a lot of the time.

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  3. DaveM121 872.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-12-23T12:17:38+00:00

    Yes, I think that may be the best option, go into the Recovery Environment and try to uninstall the latest update from there.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-23T12:14:56+00:00

    Windows + I doesn’t work as it only runs in the background. I can open windows recovery mode and possibly delete a windows update.

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  5. DaveM121 872.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-12-23T11:38:04+00:00

    Are you able to open the Settings App using the Windows + i keyboard shortcut?

    If you are, go to Windows Updates - Update History, scroll to the bottom of that window, can you uninstall the latest update from there?

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