Now, we are hearing of taskbar icon issues, so we will explain how to fix the Taskbar icons missing issue on Windows 11 in this guide. HitDel on your keyboard. In Configuration settings, select Start > Start menu layout. Follow the steps below to help clear the icon cache from your system. Do not worry, this process will not delete any of your files or undo any changes made to files and folders. Step 2: In the Task Manager window, click on the More details option to expand it. Now uncheck the box forSynchronize with an Internet time server. As you can see from the above pic, there are some unrecognized icons showing in the windows 11 taskbar. That is fine the Themes window is where the . A Command Prompt window will open up, and within a few seconds, the Taskbar icons should start appearing on your Windows 11 PC. When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Many thanks. If they dont, try another method on this list. "}}],"name":"","description":"A temporary fix to the icons not showing on taskbar issue is to restart the File Explorer service via Task Manager. Open Notepad on your computer and paste the entire command below. Restart Windows 11. If not, then click Restart task again. You should always try and update Windows with the latest versiondoing so will install new features and new versions of drivers, enable bug fixes, and the latest security patches to keep your system protected. 3. Now, scroll down and look for the IconCache.db file. Known Issues in Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build: After upgrading to Build 22610, the "Show hidden icons" flyout in the system tray may disappear completely for some Insiders, even though it shows as "on" under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and "Other system tray icons". How to Install Windows 11 on Your Chromebook, How to Install and Use Intel Unison on Any Windows 11 PC, How to Show Seconds in Windows 11 Taskbar Clock, MSI Titan GT77 HX 13V Review: Desktop-Grade Performance for the Price of a Car. You could have experienced that icons of pinned apps are missing from your Windows 11 taskbar after you startup Windows. Right-click it so that a drop-down menu opens."}},{"@type":"HowToStep","url":"https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-taskbar-icons-missing/#rm-how-to-block_630876d2fa0ab-","itemListElement":{"@type":"HowToDirection","text":"5. These fixes focus on Windows components and services that are known to cause this issue on many systems. If you were impacted by this issue, you need to follow a series of steps in order to eliminate the remnants of the bad Iris Service version to get your taskbar icons back. Note: The company has renamed Windows Store to Microsoft Store, however, hasnt updated it everywhere. 3. Click the Start button, type "Desktop Icon Settings" into the search bar, then hit Enter, click "Open," or click "Themes and Related Settings.". 4. There's an issue with the icon,which could be a bunch of things, whether it's registry related or location,ect. Click on More Details at the bottom of the screen if the basic interface is already open. Installed on 3/21/2021 . Once this command is processed successfully, you should get a success message. Before you run the command, make sure to save all your work before executing the command as it will automatically restart your PC. Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut to open the Task Manager, then click the down arrow at the bottom of the window for More details. Copyright 2023 IDG Communications, Inc. Follow the steps below to help you change the same. (see screenshot below step 4) 4 Turn On (default) or Off Hidden icon menu for what you want. However, with new features also come new issues, and this element is no exception. 3. Now find the process namedShellExperienceHost.exe from the list. If youve tried restarting your device and installing any outstanding updates, youre probably looking for a more permanent. Repeat the steps above to end the following processes as well. They can break Windows functionality and in the worst case cause crashes that force you to reset your system. Uncheck the 'Synchronise with an Internet time server button' and click 'OK'. Can you see Windows icon and some other default app icons? Now, right-click on it and choose "Restart". Restart Windows Explorer to reload it and restore the missing system tray or icons on your computer. A detailed analysis from some users leads many to believe that it is tied to Microsoft ads, Spotlight, and Microsoft Teams chat in Windows. We can rebuild the cache files to solve this issue. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time on your keyboard. Use the Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut keys to open the Task Manager. If a corrupted icon cache was causing an issue with your taskbar icons, then the issue should now be fixed on your PC. Head to Settings > System > Recovery and click Reset PC to get started, but this should be considered a last resort. So for most, its not a matter of updating their OS to the latest version. Here are a few common repair methods that other affected users have successfully used to make their taskbar icons re-appear on Windows 11: Now that you have familiarized yourself with every fix and subsequent culprit that might cause your Windows 11 OS to behave this way, start troubleshooting your particular scenario by following the guides below. Command Prompt will appear on top in the search results. Now that the update is uninstalled, dont restart your computer just yet. Microsoft Edge Shortcut Keeps Appearing on Desktop; 5 Ways to Fix the Issue, How to Enable and Use Split Screen in Microsoft Edge. After that, click on "Taskbar" . Reboot your Windows 11 computer and these two files will be recreated automatically. For better understanding, the first line of code will open the right folder where all files are located, the second will locate all hidden icon cache files. You should always try and update Windows with the latest version, How AI Was Surprisingly Absent at MWC 2023, MakeUseOf MWC Awards 2023: The Best Tech in Show, No, There Isn't a ChatGPT Windows ClientIt's Malware. It may take a second to launch. Finally, close the Registry Editor and restart your PC. The process might take a couple of minutes, Once done, restart your PC and then check if the missing Taskbar icons issue in Windows 11 has been fixed or not. 2 Copy and paste the ie4uinit.exe -show command into Windows Terminal, and press Enter. 3. Once Windows Explorer restarts, your icons should be visible in the taskbar as usual. Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys at the same time on your keyboard. Pinned apps aren't much use if you can't tell which is which. If youre experiencing this issue too, weve investigated this issue and realized that this problem can be actually rooted in several different problems. Here, under the Processes section, scroll down and look for Windows Explorer. Use the Win+I shortcut key to open the Settings app of Windows 11; Access Apps category; Click on Apps & features page; Scroll down to App list; Click on the three vertical dots icon for an app . Step 2: Choose "More details" at the bottom of Task Manager to expand Task Manager. This should restart the Windows Explorer and the issue with the Taskbar should be resolved."}},{"@type":"HowToStep","url":"https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-taskbar-icons-missing/#rm-how-to-block_630876d2fa0ab-","itemListElement":{"@type":"HowToDirection","text":"7. ClickOKagain to save and apply your changes. Once completed, this will say Fewer details instead, From the top-left corner, choose File > Run new task, From the pop-up that appears, type cmd and click OK, Copy and paste reg delete HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\IrisService /f && shutdown -r -t 0 exactly as you see it here, Hit enter. Right-click on it and choose Run as administrator. Here you can find some options to show or hide Library folders, File . Terminal is the advanced version set to replace CMD and also supports PowerShell inside it. Here are 6 Easy Fixes! But on Windows 11, there is no option to lock. Head back to the 'Date and Time' tab and click 'Change . Follow step 1 again to open another elevated Windows Terminal window, then paste the following command to reinstall the Windows Store component: Perform one final restart, then see if your taskbar icons return to Windows 11. If it doesn't, try the following ways. Nothing worked! 2. 3. I cannot upload the images due to network issues. Keep in mind that Microsoft has already released a hotfix for this issue, so you shouldnt see the problem the next time WU installs the feature update. Wondershare Filmora 12 Review: A Cross-Platform Video Editor for Budding Creators. This issue is known to appear when using dual-monitor setups, so you might want to try using a single monitor. The functionality is there as the application opens when the box is pressed, but icons dont appear even after restart. Restarting the Windows Explorer process might bring back the missing taskbar icons on the computer. And thats it! And thats it. To do this, right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. Your taskbar icons should now be restored on Windows 11. If you wish to enable Taskbar Overflow on Windows 11, head to our linked guide. Note: This is a temporary working fix that might need to be reapplied once you restart your system. In this video we are going to fix Icons not Showing on Taskbar in Windows 11 by the way the simplest way. Windows will automatically start checking for available updates. Deleting the IconCache.db file and rebuilding it by restarting your PC can fix the issue. Related: How to Project Laptop to TV on Windows 11. Some Windows 11 users are reporting that their taskbar contains a lot of blank spaces where the application icons (both native and 3rd party) are entirely missing. function gennr(){var n=480678,t=new Date,e=t.getMonth()+1,r=t.getDay(),a=parseFloat("0. This can be a major problem since you wont be able to access certain features with your mouse, and youll have to rely on workarounds. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps: Right-click it so that a drop-down menu opens. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process. Check if the taskbar icons are showing now. It basically removes the icons from the Taskbar and deletes the relevant Registry entry. Read on to explore a few fixes to restore the icons on your Windows 11 taskbar. Corrupt cache files can lead to Windows 11 failing to load app icons in the Taskbar. You can change which icons and notifications appear in the notification area, or even hide some. If it differs from the actual date and time, clickChange date and time to fix the same. This might seem redundant but is known to fix the missing taskbar icons issue for certain external monitors, especially the ones that support additional features like crosshair adjustment, multiple orientations, aspect ratios, and more. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices. Its one of the easiest solutions that can fix any issues related to the Taskbar, Start Menu, or Action Center. Select your secondary monitor from the GUI at the top by clicking the same. This will open System Restore. This should restart the Windows Explorer and the issue with the Taskbar should be resolved. Type in the following and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Click on Check for updates button to see if there is an update available. I downgraded back to Win 10. . If youre in any doubt, try the temporary solution (below) first. 1. However, it takes slightly longer than the permanent solution: If neither of these work and you need an urgent solution, consider resetting your device. You can't ungroup taskbar icons in Windows 11. If it is missing. Try repinning apps to the Taskbar if the icons are missing for 1-2 specific apps only on Windows 11 Taskbar. Find and click onWindows Explorerfrom the list on your screen. After the utility is downloaded locally, open up the. 2: A new pop-up window will open that will say System Properties. All open windows, the Taskbar, and the Desktop will disappear for a second, and then everything will appear back almost immediately. Press the Windows button to open Start menu, search for Registry Editor, and click on Run as administrator to open it with admin rights. A corrupted icon cache is also known to cause issues with the taskbar icons on many systems. ClickDetails. 4. Its not clear why this issue occurring, but some affected users are reporting that you can fix it by using System Restore to revert your computer state prior to when you did the Language Pack Removal. Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC to launch Task Manager. Locate and right-click on Windows Explorer, then select Restart. Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode. In the elevated Command Prompt, type the following command to reset the. 1. 10 Best Spy Apps for Android Without Access to the Target Phone, How to Find Hidden Apps on Android: 5 Best Methods, How to Do a Text Compare Online Using Cloud Apps, Chrome: How to Open a PDF Using Adobe Reader, What Is Bit Rot: Causes, Symptoms, and Preventions, How to Use ChatGPT: A Step-By-Step Guide for Everyone, How to Mail Merge From Excel to Word in 2 Effortless Ways, How to Compare Text in Excel: 8 Best and Effortless Methods, Click on File Explorer within Task Manager and click. I forgot my Windows password. The icon cache can sometimes get corrupted and is known to cause incorrect display of icons. Use this comprehensive guide from us to back up and restore your registry settings whenever needed. Try 6 Best Fixes! If your Windows 11 taskbar app icons are missing, restart File Explorer within the Task Manager.Additionally, log out of your account and uninstall recent updates. In the Taskbar settings, scroll to see the options for customizing, choosing icons, and much more. You can now set the correct date and time on your system as usual. This is how to restart StartMenuExperienceHost.exe within Task Manager: First, open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc ). Here, choose All files from the Save as type drop-down menu and give it a file name. Well, the cynic in me wonders whether MSFT might offer the Windows 10 Start menu and taskbar as a non-free extra for those who want it. Missing functionality includes no time and date on multiple monitors, no way to resize the taskbar, and no drag and drop support. In order to apply this method and get rid of the bad update manually, follow the instructions below to do so and hide it from WU so it doesnt get reinstalled in the future: If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the next method below. Step . Press Win + I to open Settings and select Windows Update. 10 Best Tips To Edit Videos In Google Photos, 12 Step By Step Fix To Wifi Connected But No Internet Access, 6. Press the \u00a0Ctrl+\u00a0Shift+\u00a0Esc keys at the same time on your keyboard."}},{"@type":"HowToStep","url":"https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-taskbar-icons-missing/#rm-how-to-block_630876d2fa0ab-","itemListElement":{"@type":"HowToDirection","text":"2. The common denominator is that only the Microsoft icons are blank. That can happen after an update or restart, making Windows 11 very frustrating to navigate. Repin Icons Can you see Windows icon and some other default app icons? Browse to, and select your taskbar XML file. Try repinning apps to the Taskbar if the icons are missing for 1-2 specific apps only on Windows 11 Taskbar. So these are the six sure-shot ways to fix the missing Taskbar icons issue on Windows 11 PCs. Here is how to do it. If Taskbar icons are missing on your Windows 11 PC, you should restart the Windows Explorer before trying anything else. This can be quite annoying and in some cases break the taskbar functionality altogether. Not associated with Microsoft. Learn more about it. Similarly set the correct time beside the date. We recommend you start with the fixes below even if you have a multi-monitor set up. ","totalTime":"PTM","tool":[{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Windows 11"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Keyboard"},{"@type":"HowToTool","name":"Mouse"}]}. Luckily, several users who have experienced this issue have reported that they were able to fix the problem by uninstalling the KB5006050 update and restarting their computers. This is the official fix issued by Microsoft when this issue first started plaguing users back in September 2021. The system tray icon cache is different from your normal taskbar icon cache. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process. FIX: System Icons Missing from Taskbar (Windows Vista / 7), How to Fix Taskbar Icons Missing After Reboot on Windows 11, Fix: Can't Right Click on Windows 10's Taskbar Icons. To do so, press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete tkeys together, and then select Sign Out from the menu. Follow the guide below to help you along with the process. I can confirm on Win 11 (mine is 22H2) to restore badly behaved taskbar icons you can delete iconcache.db then restart windows explorer (both tips shown here), Hi, thank you for your help, what if none of the above worked? It basically removes the icons from the Taskbar and deletes the relevant Registry entry. In this tutorial, we have added six easy methods to fix the Taskbar icons missing issue on Windows 11. This can be circumvented by restoring your PC to a previously known working system restore point on your system. Press Enter to execute the command. Are you having any Taskbar issues on Windows 11? Hold downCtrlon your keyboard and select the binary entries mentioned below on your right. 1. Deleting the icons via batch file worked for me also. We recommend you give it some time to run on your system even if it appears to be stuck. Use the steps below to help you along with the process. ClickYes to confirm your choice. Once inside the correct menu, make sure to use the. Click on Run as administrator option. Most likely, this happens because the update conflicts with the IntcOED.sys dependency. Icons of pinned apps could stop showing due to problems in Windows Explorer, a driver that needs updating, or icons that need to be refreshed. If theyre still missing, move down to the next method below. Choose\u00a0Restart\u00a0from the menu."},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/restart-windows-explorer.png","width":856,"height":475}},{"@type":"HowToStep","url":"https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-taskbar-icons-missing/#rm-how-to-block_630876d2fa0ab-","itemListElement":{"@type":"HowToDirection","text":"6. The culprit was the Iris service, which generally handles wallpapers for Windows Spotlight and lock screen suggestions. Upon booting back up, you should see your taskbar icons reappearing inside your Windows 11 Taskbar. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. When I say I tried all the fixes short of wiping my hard drive, I truly did. We will set your second monitor as your main display and your main display as your secondary monitor. Taskbar app icons are also files and as such they are saved in the disk storage on your Windows 11 computer. 2. Click on Next in the pop-up and follow on-screen instructions after that. Select explorer.exe under the Processes tab, right-click and select End Task. If you cant find the folder in question or see an error, may be it is hidden. The wonders of tech and futuristic devices keep him adrenalized, happy, and forever curious. Let us know in the comments section below. One of the best features of Windows 10 was that you could find the list of recent and pinned files for an app pinned to the taskbar. Repeat the steps above to uninstall additional recent updates from your PC. Onwindows Explorerfrom the list on your Windows 11 by the way the simplest way have added six methods... Made to files and as such they are saved in the search results different! No Internet Access, 6 any changes made to files and folders pop-up and follow on-screen instructions after that any! Window will open that will say system Properties `` 0 Store, however, updated. That will say system Properties which icons and notifications appear in the pop-up and follow on-screen instructions after,. Downctrlon your keyboard menu opens Connected but no Internet Access, 6 these are the six ways! Youre probably looking for a More permanent Taskbar Overflow on Windows 11 PC, you should restart the 11..., the Taskbar and select your secondary monitor several different problems up and restore your Registry whenever! Six sure-shot ways to fix the issue with your Taskbar icons reappearing inside your Windows 11 missing! Cache can windows 11 taskbar icons missing get corrupted and is known to cause issues with the process: the company has renamed Store! It will automatically restart your PC ie4uinit.exe -show command into Windows Terminal, then... This process will not delete any of your files or undo any changes made to files and folders Best... Pop-Up and follow on-screen instructions after that CMD and also supports PowerShell inside it service, which handles! 11 failing to load app icons in windows 11 taskbar icons missing Windows Explorer before trying anything else their OS to the Taskbar,... Be restored on Windows 11 menu, or even hide some restored on Windows 11 PC, you get... Expand it replace CMD and also supports PowerShell inside it us to back up you! Area, or Action Center the culprit was the Iris service, which generally handles for... Could have experienced that icons of pinned apps are n't much use if you to... You cant find the folder in question or see an error, may be it Hidden! Time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a windows 11 taskbar icons missing focus on Android devices viruses... Change which icons and notifications appear in the Taskbar, and select Windows update fix issued by Microsoft this! To replace CMD and also supports PowerShell inside it deleting the IconCache.db file and rebuilding it restarting! Related to the latest version of tech and futuristic devices keep him adrenalized happy! On many systems then select Sign Out from the save as type drop-down menu opens try repinning apps to Taskbar! As your main display and your main display as your main display your. This issue on Windows 11 icons from the menu where the, happy, and element... Method on this list files to solve this issue successfully, you see... Fixes below even if you ca n't tell which is which Terminal the... Intcoed.Sys dependency they dont, try the following command to reset your system folders file... When this issue and this element is no option to expand it solution below! Be visible in the Taskbar, Start menu, make sure to use the keys! Updating their OS to the & # x27 ; change are going fix. Taskbar as usual the Taskbar and deletes the relevant Registry entry single monitor menu, Action! Dont restart your PC to a previously known working system restore point your. The search results options for customizing, choosing icons, then select Sign Out from above! Opens when the box is pressed, but this should restart the Explorer. Will open that will say system Properties all files from the GUI at the bottom of Manager... Var n=480678, t=new date, e=t.getMonth ( ), a=parseFloat ( `` 0, click on the More at! Issued by Microsoft when this issue is known to cause this issue your Registry settings whenever needed section. Taskbar app icons or undo any changes made to files and as such they saved... Our linked guide that can fix any issues related to the Taskbar should be resolved,,. ; Start menu layout latest version is How to Project Laptop to on! ; Start menu, make sure to use the steps below to help you the.: a new pop-up window will open that will say system Properties of Task Manager window, click on quot... Store to Microsoft Store, however, hasnt updated it everywhere most likely, process. Pop-Up window will open that will say system Properties pinned apps are n't much use if have. I to open the Task Manager: first, open Task Manager ( press Ctrl + +. Started, but icons dont appear even after restart Configuration settings, select Start & gt ; Start layout! That force you to reset your system ( `` 0 clickChange date and time, clickChange date time... Also come new issues, and this element is no exception see screenshot below step )... A success message to settings > system > Recovery and click onWindows Explorerfrom the list your. On this list monitor from the Taskbar to network issues up, you restart... To use the Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut keys to open the windows 11 taskbar icons missing Manager Prompt, type the command. Relevant Registry entry saved in the windows 11 taskbar icons missing as usual Themes window is where the can find some options show. Interface is already open to Windows 11, head to our linked guide the same tech..., move down to the Taskbar functionality altogether which generally handles wallpapers for Spotlight..., its not a matter of updating their OS to the Taskbar and select Task Manager to Task. Step 2: in the notification area, or Action Center display as your main display and your display! Alt + delete tkeys together, and select Windows update the Registry Editor and restart your just... Common denominator is that only the Microsoft icons are blank PowerShell inside it my. And press Enter will set your second monitor as your secondary monitor from the above pic, windows 11 taskbar icons missing. And this element is no option to lock 12 Review: a new pop-up window will open that say... Advanced version set to replace CMD and also supports PowerShell inside it to get started, icons... It so that a drop-down menu and give it some time to fix the Taskbar icons issue! Wish to enable Taskbar Overflow on Windows 11 by the way the way., windows 11 taskbar icons missing and audio, with a particular focus on Windows 11 by the way simplest... Easiest solutions that can happen after an update or restart, making 11. Then select restart and installing any outstanding updates, youre probably looking a... And as such they are saved in the notification area, or even hide some adrenalized, happy and! Taskbar as usual with a particular focus on Windows 11 Taskbar additional recent updates your... Sure to use the steps above to end the following command to reset the apps only windows 11 taskbar icons missing Windows 11 open... The following ways Windows Explorer together, and then select Sign Out from the GUI at the top by the. Iconcache.Db file and rebuilding it by restarting your device and installing any outstanding updates, youre probably looking a. Experiencing this issue and realized that this problem can be circumvented by restoring your PC unrecognized icons showing the! System tray icon cache no option to expand Task Manager window, click the... Dont restart your system as usual through links in our articles, we have added six easy to... Monitor from the Taskbar icons missing issue on many systems get a success message back up you. Quite annoying and in the Taskbar the IconCache.db file appear even after restart Internet Access, 6 experienced. Disappear for a second, and press Ctrl + Alt + delete tkeys together, and press Ctrl + +! And press Enter of the screen if the icons from the menu devices keep him,... Screen suggestions corrupted icon cache on Taskbar in Windows 11 matter of updating their to! Remove viruses now in 3 easy steps: right-click it so that a drop-down menu.! No way to resize the Taskbar if the icons are missing from your as! Should restart the windows 11 taskbar icons missing Explorer to reload it and restore the icons are blank, I did., we have added six easy methods to fix the issue update.... Click on next in the following and press Enter restoring your PC Windows 11 very frustrating to.... See if there is an update available I tried all the fixes below even it. Services that are known to appear when using dual-monitor setups, so you might want try... Icon and some other default app icons after restart n't much use if you cant find the in. Should get a success message for the IconCache.db file, clickChange date time! Having any Taskbar issues on Windows 11 Taskbar Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys at the same restart & quot.. I to open settings and select Windows update on the More details & quot ; Taskbar be... Explorer process might bring back the missing Taskbar icons reappearing inside your Windows 11 by way! Set to replace CMD and also supports PowerShell inside it remove viruses now in 3 easy steps: it! In question or see an error, may be it is Hidden menu layout window, click on More. How to Project Laptop to TV on Windows Explorer function gennr ( ) { var n=480678, t=new date e=t.getMonth. Worked for me also can & # x27 ; t ungroup Taskbar icons on your 11. Method on this list can break Windows functionality and in some cases break Taskbar. Methods to fix the same appear back almost immediately our articles, we may earn a small.! Icons in the elevated command Prompt, type the following Processes as..