Windows 11 Taskbar Icons Missing: How to Get Them Back

We also included some tips on Taskbar and Start Menu customization

by Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Windows & Software Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he... read more
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Reviewed by Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Vlad Turiceanu
Editor-in-Chief
Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • In case Windows 11 Taskbar icons are missing, sometimes restarting crucial Windows processes can help.
  • This issue is known to appear when using dual-monitor setups, so you might want to try using a single monitor.
  • If Windows 11 Taskbar icons are not showing, be sure to keep your system up to date at all times.
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Windows 11 brings various changes; one element that was changed the most is the Taskbar. However, with new features also come new issues, and this element is no exception.

Many users reported that Windows 11 Taskbar icons are missing, while others claim that their Taskbar is broken on Windows 11. This can be a major problem since you won’t be able to access certain features with your mouse, and you’ll have to rely on workarounds.

Why are my icons not showing on my Taskbar Windows 11?

There are a few reasons why icons may be missing on your Taskbar; among these include:

  • Windows Explorer issues – If, for some reason, there is a problem with Windows Explorer, this could make your icons disappear.
  • Account settings – This could be the case for users logged into a different account. In this situation, you would get your icons working once you log into your regular account. You may also have to create a new user account.
  • Malware – In some situations, you may have been compromised and exposed to malware. That is why we recommend the best antivirus.

Luckily, a couple of solutions can fix this error, so we encourage you to follow our instructions closely and go through all the steps mentioned below.

How can I fix missing Taskbar icons on Windows 11?

Before delving into our recommended solutions, you should start a simple PC reboot. This is especially helpful if Windows 11 taskbar icons are missing after sleep.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

1. Press the  Ctrl+ Shift+ Esc keys at the same time on your keyboard.

2. The Task Manager window will open.

3. In the list of processes, locate Windows Explorer.

windows explorer task

4. Right-click it so that a drop-down menu opens.

5. Choose Restart from the menu.

restart windows explorer task

6. This should restart the Windows Explorer and the issue with the Taskbar should be resolved.

7. Check if the taskbar icons are showing now.

A temporary fix to the icons not showing on taskbar issue is to restart the File Explorer service via Task Manager.

Remember that this is just a workaround, so the issue might reappear.

2. Try using just a single monitor

  1. Disconnect or turn off the second monitor.
  2. Wait for a few moments.
  3. Check if the problem persists.

According to users, this is a useful workaround if Windows 11 Taskbar icons are missing on a second monitor.

3. Install the latest build

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Now go to the Windows Update section.
    windows update settings
  3. Check for updates and be sure to install any missing updates.
    windows 11 check for updates

If you’re experiencing issues with the Settings app, we suggest checking our guide on how to fix Settings app crashes in Windows 11.

If the Windows 11 Taskbar icons are missing, the issue is most likely caused by bugs in the current build, so be sure to update to the newest version as soon as you can.

In case the update isn’t available yet, you might be able to fix this issue by restarting the File Explorer or by disconnecting additional displays.

Are you having any Taskbar issues on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments section below.

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