iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Is the taskbar on your Windows 11 PC not working, and you don’t know what to do? Worry less, this guide provides numerous solutions to fix this problem.
You will learn three fixes for this taskbar issue in this guide. The first solution involves restarting Windows Explorer.
Meanwhile, the second solution entails updating the graphics driver of the Windows 11 PC. However, the third solution is to execute the DISM and SFC scans.
Impressively, this guide also features an FAQ section. Some of the most asked questions about this issue are answered in that section.
Popular on Amazon
- Click more. Scroll more. Do more. Logitech Marathon Mouse M705 uses far less power than comparable wireless mice from other companies. That means you can go up to three full years between battery changes.*
- Hyper-fast scrolling lets you fly through long documents and Web pages with a single spin of a nearly frictionless metal scroll wheel.
- The sculpted, right-hand shape guides your hand to a naturally comfortable position and places customizable control within your reach. Two thumb buttons lets you move quickly between Web pages.**
- The tiny Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your laptop. There's no need to unplug it when you move around, so there's less worry of it being broken or lost. And you can easily add compatible wireless mice and keyboards to the same wireless receiver.
- Laser grade tracking delivers smooth, responsive, precise cursor control on surfaces that cause problems for standard optical mice, such as polished or wood-grain tables.***
Fix Windows 11 Taskbar If It’s Not Working By Restarting Windows Explorer

A popular solution to fix Windows 11 taskbar when not working is to restart Windows Explorer. To achieve that, follow the procedures and screenshots below.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to launch Task Manager.

- Then, find and select Windows Explorer on the Processes tab in Task Manager.

- Finally, click Restart at the bottom of the window, and your Windows 11 taskbar should begin to work again. However, if the taskbar isn’t still working, check out the other solutions below.

Fix Windows 11 Taskbar If It’s Not Working By Updating The Graphics Driver

Sometimes, an outdated graphics driver can be the cause of this problem. So, updating the graphics driver of your Windows 11 computer can fix the issue.
Hence, follow the steps below to update the graphics driver on your Windows 11 PC.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Also popular on Amazon
- Smooth, precise and affordable wireless optical 3-button mouse with USB nano receiver for laptop, desktop and netbook PCs
- 2.4 GHz wireless (not Bluetooth) provides a powerful, reliable connection
- Nano-receiver stays in the PC USB port or stows conveniently inside the wireless mouse when not in use (note: Receiver is stored within the mouse from production and needs to be removed upon setup)
- Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10
- Easy installation - refer to user manual for instructions
- Press your keyboard’s Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue box. Next, type “devmgmt.msc” in the input field and press Enter on your keyboard.

- Double-click Display adapters on the Device Manager window to expand it.

- Under Display adapters, right-click your computer’s graphics driver and select Update driver.

- Then, select Search automatically for drivers.

- After doing that, Windows will begin to search the internet for the latest graphics driver update and installs it automatically on your PC. Thus, ensure your PC is connected to the internet during the process.

- Finally, restart your Windows 11 PC, and the taskbar should start working. Nonetheless, try the last solution below if your Windows 11 taskbar still doesn’t work.
Fix Windows 11 Taskbar If It’s Not Working By Executing DISM And SFC Scans

In some cases, a corrupt system file can be the cause of this taskbar issue. Thus, executing the DISM and SFC scans can actually fix the problem.
Hence, follow the procedures below to run the DISM and SFC scans on your Windows 11 PC.
- Press Windows + R keys on your computer’s keyboard. Then, type “cmd” in the input field and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to run as an administrator.

- After doing that, the User Account Control prompt will appear, asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device – select Yes to proceed.
- Then, on the Command Prompt window, input the following commands sequentially and press Enter.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

- After each command has been successfully executed, restart your PC. Hopefully, the taskbar should begin to work again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Windows 11 Taskbar If It’s Not Working

They aren’t the same. A toolbar is often located at the top of an application or program.
On the other hand, the taskbar can be found at the bottom of the Windows desktop screen. Furthermore, it houses the Start menu and various app icons.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN: Contoured, wireless optical mouse with 3-button navigation and integrated scroll wheel lets you be productive all-day using either-hand; multi-OS (1), multi-device optical mouse and gives you the freedom to work or play from almost anywhere
- WIRELESS CONVENIENCE: Go cordless with 2.4 GHz USB-A connectivity that keeps you connected up to a range of 30 feet
- MULTI-SURFACE PERFORMANCE: Be ready for anything with Blue LED multi-surface technology that smooth, lag-free movement on virtually any surface (2)
- PRECISION CONTROL: 1600 dpi optical sensor provides reliable mouse tracking, exceptional speed, and pinpoint accuracy that can be customized to match your working style
- DEPENDABLE POWER: With up to 15 months of use on a single AA battery (3), this HP wireless mouse is designed to push the limits and work as hard as you do
To unpin an app on your Windows 11 taskbar, right-click the app on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →One of the major reasons for an unresponsive taskbar in Windows 11 is corrupt system files. Also, an outdated graphics driver can be the cause of this problem.
Absolutely! Windows 11 features a taskbar at the bottom.
Also popular on Amazon
- Rechargeable Mouse, Energy-Efficient - Equipped with a built-in 700 mAh battery, this mice could charge rapidly and get enough power for a full day of use in only 5 minutes, without any downtime during recharging. A full charge can last up to 90 days.
- Compact Design, Travel Friendly - With the dimension of 4.09*2.68*1.49 in, this compact mouse is ideally suited for small to medium hands, providing more portability and a better travel experience.
- Plug and Play - Simply plug the USB-A mini-receiver into your Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, or Linux computer and enjoy seamless connectivity up to 49 feet. (NOTE: The USB receiver is stored in the back of the mouse.)
- Less Noise, More Focus - Eliminate noise and distractions with a 90% reduced click sound to enhance your focus and immersion.
- Advanced Optical Tracking - Featuring 6-level adjustable DPI (800/1200/1600/2400/3200/4800), this mouse provides high-performance precision and smart cursor control on most surfaces.
Yes, the taskbar in Windows 11 features a search icon.
My Final Thoughts About Fixing Windows 11 Taskbar If It’s Not Working

Although Windows 11 isn’t even a year old, users are beginning to have issues with the taskbar. Fortunately, this guide provided several methods to fix the taskbar in Windows 11 when not working.
Recommended Free Tools
Essentially, I discussed how to solve the issue by restarting Windows Explorer. I also provided steps and screenshots to update the graphics driver so as to fix this taskbar problem.
Also popular on Amazon
- Pointing Device Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Pointing Device Wireless Technology: Bluetooth/Radio Frequency
- Pointing Device Wireless Operating Distance: 33 ft
- Movement Detection: Darkfield
- Movement Resolution (dpi): 4000
That’s not all; we also learned how to solve the problem by executing the DISM and SFC scans. Therefore, with the solutions demonstrated in this guide, you no longer have to encounter this problem.
I hope you were able to fix this issue with the help of this guide. If you were, kindly share your experience or provide the solution that worked for you with our community at [discourse_topic_url].
You may also ask questions regarding this guide at [discourse_topic_url]. Our team and other community members will be happy to respond to you as soon as possible.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Finally, visit our Fix-It Guides page for more Windows 11 fixes.
Quick Recap
References And Further Reading
- wethegeek.com – Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working: Here’s How To Fix (2022 Updated Tips)
- techpp.com – Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working? 11 Easy Ways to Fix it
- [discourse_topic_url]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

