Windows 10 Taskbar icons gone and start button not working

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Please try these options one by one and check after each option. These options are independent and can be executed in any sequence.

1. Click on below and run Start menu troubleshooter

2. Reinstall Cortana

Windows Key+X > Click Powershell(Admin) > Copy the below and paste into Powershell by right clicking into Powershell
Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach
Reboot your computer

3. Create a New User Account and login with this new User Account to rule out corruption in user profile

Press Windows key + I to open up Settings > Click Accounts and choose Other People > Select Add someone else to this PC under Other Users > Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Select Add a user without a Microsoft account > Create the user and select Next > Make the new account an administrator account > Under Other users, select the new user account you created, and then select Change account type > Select Administrator, and then select OK

4. Reinstall Display Driver

Windows Key + X > Click Device Manager > Expand Display adapters > Right click the current display adapter > Click Uninstall > Exit Device Manager > Reboot your computer

5: Run SFC and DISM to check and repair Windows files

Best regards
Vijay A. Verma @ http://www.eforexcel.com/

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I’m Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

If it won’t run normally then try in Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.

This may be caused by a recent Windows Update.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Installed Update History to see which Updates were installed about the time this started to try uninstalling them to see if that helps.

There is one that’s suspect because of so many other problems it’s caused, so I’d uninstall Cumulative Update for Version 1709: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/407458. . Then restart PC to test again.

You also might also be able to get back before it via System Restore: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t.

Then if it or any other Update reinstalls and causes the same problems, uninstall it again and block it using the Hide Updates tool here: https://www.howtogeek.com/224471/how-to-prevent.

If problems persist you can 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. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.
But remember that Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won’t even run because they’d expect endless issues. Consider doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn’t clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-.

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

Over 100,000 helped in forums for 11 years. I don’t quit for those who are polite and cooperative.

Some icons of desktop shortcuts gone blank in Windows 10 PC .

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We realize the inconvenience you are experiencing with shortcut icons on your desktop. We will certainly help you.

This issue might have occurred if some system files gets corrupted. Let’s try the below steps and check if it helps:

Step 1: To isolate the issue, we suggest you to create a new user account and check if the same issue occurs. This will clarify us if the issue is confined to System file corruption or User profile corruption:

Step 2: If the issue doesn’t occur in new user account, then try these further steps on the current user account and check if it helps:

Run SFC Scan. What is SFC (System File Checker)?

System File Checker is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files.

Follow the steps given in the below article to perform SFC scan:

Note: Steps applies to Windows 10 as well.

Step 3: Perform DISM.

1. Press Windows key + X.
   Click command prompt (Run as administrator).
2. In the Administrator: Command Prompt window, type the following commands. Press Enter key after each command:
3. DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. To close the Administrator: Command prompt window, type Exit, and then press Enter

Let us know if the information was helpful to you. For further assistance feel free to post your queries in Microsoft forums. We will be glad to assist you.

Windows 10 Taskbar Icons Gone?

The issue might be due to corruptions of the account. Please let us know if you are facing this issue on Microsoft account or Local account.

I suggest you to perform the methods provided below:

Method 1 : Run SFC (System File Checker) scan.

Right click on Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

After the scan is complete, type “exit” and press Enter.

For more information about SFC scan, click on the link below:

Method 2 : DISM TOOL:

On the Search bar type “cmd”. Right Click on the Command Prompt option and select Run as Administrator. (If prompted for a password, type the password and click Allow).

Type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” (Without quotes).

For more information about DISM click on the link below:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/947821

Method 3:

Run the App troubleshooter.

Type “Troubleshooting” in the search box and press Enter.

Click on ‘View All’ on the top left pane.

Click on “Windows Store Apps” from the list and follow the on-screen prompts for troubleshooting.

Please get back to us with the results of the issue in regards with task bar icons and any other questions you might have regarding Windows operating systems. We are happy to assist.

My Windows 10 desktop icons are gone, and so are the icons from the system tray.

My Windows 10 desktop icons are gone, and so are the pinned icons from the taskbar. The «Windows» button (lower left) does not do anything. When I try to access the desktop from the system try, it says all my «Document,» «Pictures,» etc. folders are «empty.» I had not used the system for a couple of days, and it was fine when I left it.

HP Pavilion dv7 notebook

Intel i7-3610 QM

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Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community and for your interest in Windows 10.

I can understand, how frustrating it can be, when things don’t work as expected.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused.

I’d be glad to help you.

Please refer to the article, created by Anil Madishetty, replied on September 8, to fix your issue with Desktop icons.

Desktop icons not showing Windows 10?

Then, try to refer and follow the steps in the article, created by AntonyJose, replied on August 19, 2015, to fix your issue with taskbar icons.

Hope this information helps you. Kindly post back with the updated issue for further assistance.

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I tried both of those procedures, but nothing has changed.

First, the Auto hide taskbar was already unchecked. The taskbar is visible. Some of the standard icons, like File Explorer, and none of my pinned icons, are visible.

Second, the search box is visible, but it won’t let me type in it. I can click on it, but nothing happens. Likewise, the Windows «Start» button. I can see it and click on it, but nothing happens.

Third, I tried right-clicking on an open area of the desktop and selected «Display» but I got an error window saying there was no program associated with it. I tried the same with «Personalize» and got the same error window.

Fourth, I went to the Administrator CMD window and executed the dism command. It said it completed successfully, but I saw no difference.

Fifth, I went to the Powershell and executed the Get-AppXPackage command. It showed the blue progress bars with yellow letters, but again, no difference.

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I understand the inconvenience you are facing currently.

This issue might occur due to incorrect system file settings.

You may boot the computer in Safe Mode and check if this helps.

With Windows Startup Settings (which used to be called «Advanced boot options») you can start Windows in different advanced troubleshooting modes to help you find and fix problems on your PC.

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. If a problem doesn’t reappear when you start your PC in Safe Mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers and services as possible causes.

Further, you may boot the computer in a clean boot state and check if the issue persists. When you start Microsoft Windows, typically there are several programs that start automatically and run in the background that may interfere with the program. These programs may include antivirus and system utility programs. When you perform a clean startup procedure, you prevent these programs from starting automatically.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows : (Applies to Windows 10) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow steps under “How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot” in the article to boot to normal startup.

Hope the information helps. Please let us know if the issue persist and we will be happy to assist you further.

App shortcuts on desktop some icons gone missing in Windows 10 (solution included!)

Found a solution that worked on another forum — I am posting link in case others have the same problem — I just downloaded and ran the bat file in the post which instantly fixed — will keep in my toolbox! — replies not needed thanks

Because I cant find a way to seperately list APPS from PROGRAMS in Windows 10 (see this thread) I used drag and drop to place icons for all my apps on the desktop. I used Stardock fences to keep them in some order. After running a game in full screen about half the icons dissappeared- the liinks are still there and functioning but the icons don’t display. I have tried removing some of the problem items and putting them back by dragging from start menu/apps but they still appear without their icons — I have attached two screenshots showing how they were and how they are now. I have re-booted the system but they are still missing. One went missng before I tok the first screenshot and the others later. I also looked in file properties

I looked at file properties for the shortcut and tried change icon but this took me to general icons in system 32

The file location for the app is greyed out so I cant see where the apps are stored

Any suggestions on how to fix this?

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. We regret the inconvenience caused and will assist you in resolving the issue.

You can group the games and applications separately without using any third party software to keep them in order.

To do so, you just have to drag a game or an application listed under “All apps“ on to an empty space on the Start menu and add other similar applications or games to the list. You can also name the category by clicking on the three small horizontal lines located after placing the icons and typing a name.

The icons are not showing properly due to some of the missing files & folders or due to the corrupted system files in the PC. I suggest you to run SFC scan and DISM scan on your PC by following the steps below and check if the issue is resolved.

SFC scan is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files. If a Windows Resource Protection (WRP) file is missing or is corrupted, Windows may not behave as expected. For example, some Windows functions may not work, or Windows may crash.

Windows corruption errors may prevent Windows updates and service packs from installing. For example, an update might not install if a system file is damaged. The DISM scan or System Update Readiness tool may help you to fix some Windows corruption errors.

Step 1: Open an Administrator command prompt window by

Press Windows logo + X keys on the keyboard and select Command Prompt (Admin) option.

Click on Yes and continue. Provide administrator password if prompted.

Check if it says Administrator: Command Prompt at the top of the command prompt window.

Step 2: Type the following commands in the CMD Prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Close the command window and check if the issue is resolved.

Write to us with the status of the issue on the same post for further assistance. Your reply is most important for us to ensure we assist you accordingly.