Taskbar apps not working

Question

So i've been having this massive problem lately and i have found no resolve. Almost nothing on my task bar will work. The windows button, the search menu, the wifi app, the sound app, settings, the battery app, and even my notification. If anybody has any information that could help me please tell me.

Answer 1

I'm not sure why it's not offering to keep your files unless the account is corrupted. Are you using the very latest media from the media creation Tool? Try downloading the ISO, double click it to mount it as a virtual driver, right click Setup to Run as Administrator.

To back up your files, I'd sort them all into their User folders, then copy those folders to the backup media.

If the Repair Install (upgrade over itself) doesn't work then you can do a Factory Reset here: https://winbuzzer.com/2022/01/01/how-to-reset-w... There's an option there to save your files.

Finally there's the gold standard Clean Install that compiles the best possible Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki....

To create bootable Windows 10 Installation Media (on another PC if necessary) install Media Creation tool and follow the steps toward the bottom of the download page here in the section "Using the tool to create installation media:"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key for your PC maker given in this chart: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, then on second screen choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, select the Unallocated Space, click Next to let it create and format the needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

There is a step to rescue your files first using the booted media if you don't have them backed up: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

The only option of me being able to keep my files that is highlighted is showing that i will keep nothing. i am willing to do this but if there is any chance i could keep my files i would perfer that option. as i said before though i am willing to reset my files. i have a usb hard drive i can save them to.

Edit: im just going to reset compleatly

Answer 3

No, you never need to buy a new license to Repair ,Upgrade, or reinstall Windows on the same PC.

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Answer 4

Will the media creation tool require a new licence?

Answer 5

Hi Torrin. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

If any steps cannot be performed normally then try them in 1) Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet) or 2) Safe Mode, accessed by one of the illustrated steps in this guide: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.... If so then update your drivers and try these troubleshooting steps from Safe Mode along with the other numbered steps I give:

https://www.pcmag.com/news/354269/how-to-use-sa...

https://www.howtogeek.com/164876/how-to-use-saf...

You will need to use your password to get into Safe Mode as a PIN is not accepted.

If this is not enough I will help you do repairs from the WinRE Repair Mode or bootable media: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

The WinRE tools needed are Command prompt to run commands in the steps I give, System Restore to get back before the problem, Uninstall Updates to a point before this started, Startup Repair, Reset or others I'll give if necessary.

1. 1. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...

2. Try these fixes for Task Bar:

https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/how-to-fix-w...

https://techpp.com/2021/05/21/windows-10-taskba...

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-steps-fix-windo...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/taskbar-not-work... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://techloris.com/fix-windows-10-taskbar-no...

https://www.auslogics.com/en/articles/fix-windo...

3. Re-registering the Start menu can also fix task bar issues:

https://www.kapilarya.com/re-register-start-men...

4. If this was caused by a Version Update then for 10 days you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool which is explained more here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta....

5. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 17 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

6. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

7. If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.