Windows 10 Taskbar Disabled

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
       #1

    Windows 10 Taskbar Disabled


    I am getting an intermittent problem with the Windows 10 Taskbar. I will be working normally, browsing and when I left or right click any entry on the taskbar (including Start) nothing happens. The problem will persist until I reboot, which I have to do using Task Manager by Ctrl+Alt+Del.
    Task Manager reports "Task Host Window is stopping background tasks" before asking for confirmation to close anyway.
    I get this pattern of problems quite frequently. Does anyone know whats going on please?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Hercules, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

    As a test, does restarting the explorer process allow the taskbar to work properly afterwards?

    Restart Explorer Context Menu - Add in Windows 10 Windows 10 Tutorials
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hello Brink - Thanks for your response. I haven't tried that, but I will do so next time it occurs, and report back.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hello Again Brink - I'm now in position to report back on your suggestion. I installed the additional option to restart Explorer, and yesterday the taskbar became disabled. I first noticed it after I tried to access the taskbar settings by right click. I used the option to restart Explorer, which worked fine, but the taskbar was still disabled. I used the Task Manager to reboot, and as before it complained about a Host Task Window stopping background tasks together with a message about a plug and play facility needing a reboot ??
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #5

    Getting the "Task Host Window is stopping background tasks" message is normal when you force a reboot like that since you have a hung app. It's just asking for confirmation to force them closed before restarting.

    I'm not sure about the "plug and play facility needing a reboot" message.

    Have you recently connected any new hardware or devices, or installed drivers for something?
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Hello and thanks again for your help.
    No, I haven't connected new hardware or installed drivers for a long time. I don't know if its relevant, but I have disabled all Add ons in Internet Explorer in an attempt to stop it crashing all the time.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7

    If this has just recently started to happen, then you could try doing a system restore using a restore point dated before this started.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    I did a search for system restore, and this shows only 4 restore points (after I'd asked it to show more). These go back to 29/01/2018 as follows:
    15/2/2018 Manual (by me), 13/2/2018 Critical Update (by Windows Update), 07/2/2018 As on 13/2/2018,
    29/1/2018 Automatic Restore Point (by System).
    I'm surprised that there are not more of them, as I know that I've done others, but I'm not sure how long these are kept for.
    I have been trying to resolve this problem for some time, so I don't think going back three weeks would be enough. If I do try it, what happens about the Critical Updates on the 7th and 13th Feb?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 68,543
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Since this doesn't happen often enough to try a clean boot for troubleshooting, you could try doing a repair install without losing anything.

    Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade Windows 10 Tutorials
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanks. I'll try that :)
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:06.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums