How to Get Missing Microsoft Taskbar Back on Windows

Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by John Abac

Your taskbar missing is probably one of the worst things that could happen while you’re working on your Windows PC. You see, every running program and app is on the taskbar, making multitasking easier than ever. You can easily switch and jump through different windows via the taskbar.

Now, when the taskbar is gone, it would be very difficult for you to multitask and see all your running windows and apps.Good thing! Reports of the taskbar missing aren't new. It happens for a number of reasons and there are ways that you can do to bring it back. Read on for more details.

FYI: Reasons Why Taskbar Disappeared on Windows 10

Taskbar missing can be caused by unknown changes in the settings or errors, here are the most common reasons why it happens.

Auto-hide Feature – There are instances where the taskbar has been set to automatically hide itself when not in use.
PC Display Resolution – Sometimes, the display resolution you’ve set is not supported by the PC monitor. This makes the actual resolution of the screen smaller, making other items on the screen as the taskbar goes out of bounds.
File Explorer Errors – The taskbar is connected to the file explorer. When either one causes a problem, there’s a chance it could affect the other. Fixing the file explorer may fix the missing taskbar.
Windows Errors – Rarely, unknown Windows system errors may come up and mess up your taskbar and other settings. Windows repair is needed if this is the case.

These are the possible reasons that could make your taskbar disappear on Windows 10. Now that you know them, it’s time you find the perfect solution for you.

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Method 1: Disable Auto-hide In The Taskbar Settings

This one applies when your taskbar on Windows 10 appears and then disappears for an amount of time. This means that auto-hide has been enabled. And you can only see the taskbar when you move your cursor or mouse on the area where it’s located.

To fix this issue:

While on your desktop, press the Windows and R keys simultaneously.
Input "Control Panel" on the Windows Run prompt that appears and then press Enter.
There, get into Appearance and Personalization and clinic on Taskbar and Navigation.
In the taskbar settings, disable the option “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode”.

After that, the taskbar should be permanently shown at the bottom of the desktop. If it doesn’t show still, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Restore the Screen Resolution

The higher the resolution, the better. But that’s not always the case, especially if your computer monitor only supports a certain display resolution. When you go beyond the limit, your taskbar may disappear or get pushed beyond the corners of the screen.

So, if you think this is why your Windows taskbar is missing, all you need to do is restore your PC screen to its native resolution.

Press Windows and I keys to launch the Windows Settings.
There, click on Display settings.

Look for the Resolution settings and choose the recommended resolution.
Confirm the changes afterward.

When the screen resolution has been fixed, the taskbar should appear right away.

Method 3: Restart Windows Explorer

As mentioned, the file explorer is connected to your PC’s taskbar and desktop functions. When the former runs into an error, it can render problems in ejecting mass storage devices, folders like Downloads not opening, taskbar missing, etc.

Well, good thing! You may be able to fix this issue by simply going to your Task Manager and restarting the app. Here’s how to do it:

Press the Windows + R keys to bring the system settings up.
There, look for the Task Manager and click it.

In the list of processes, find “Windows Explorer”.
When found, right-click on it and select “Restart”.

The File Explorer will be restarted the right way. After a few seconds, the taskbar should appear.

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Method 4: Restart Your Computer

If restarting the file explorer did not solve the issue, there must be an unknown bug in the system. Well, don’t worry. That may sound serious but such errors are usually fixed by restarting the computer.

Performing a restart can get rid of any errors and apply any fixes that you’ve made. Since the taskbar is missing, you can restart by pressing CTRL + ALT + Delete keys altogether. A blue screen with options will appear on the screen after that. On the bottom right corner, click on the power icon and select restart. When the restart process is finished, check if the taskbar is back.

Method 5: Repair Windows System To Fix Taskbar

There are times when restarting doesn't work. There are just errors that need a more direct solution to get rid of. The taskbar may be missing because of corrupted system files. While such issues may seem to need a computer expert, you can actually do the fix yourself. You just need to use PassFAb Computer Management.

This Windows repair program can fix any issue in your PC, whether it’s known or unknown. With just one click, you can diagnose and at the same time fix all the errors in your computer. You really don’t need to spend a few hundred bucks just to fix your PC’s taskbar.

PassFab can work on any Windows versions 11, 10, 8, and even earlier versions. Apart from that, the program is an all-in-one app that can also be used to back up and restore hard drives, reset Windows passwords, manage partitions, and many more. So, when you’re done fixing the taskbar, it would be wise to keep the program as you can use it whenever you run into other problems.

If you’re interested in using PassFab to fix the missing taskbar, here are the steps you need to follow:

Download the program and install it on your computer. You may use another computer to download it and then use a USB flash drive to install it on the target PC. (In case the lack of a taskbar makes it difficult for you.)

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After the installation, run PassFab and proceed to the Solution Center. You can find it under Windows Rescue.

Select the Automated Repair option and choose which drive you suspect the error originates from. Tip: Drive C: usually where the error is located.
Then, click “Start Repair” and wait for the whole process to be finished.

When done, you may click Restart to apply all the changes and repairs.

After the restart, the taskbar should be fixed as all the other errors in your Windows PC.

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Conclusion

Having the taskbar disappear is the last thing you’d want. But don’t worry about it. Try out the methods and solutions above, and you can easily fix the problem in no time. Not only can you fix it quickly, but you can also save money.

FAQs

1Can you change the location of the taskbar?

Yes. You can just click and hold to drag the taskbar to the sides of the desktop or the top. That’s how easy it is to change the location and position of the taskbar. This is possible if it's not locked.