Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager. If the taskbar is missing, check Automatically hide the taskbar in taskbar settings. Then install updates, run DISM and sfc /scannow, and uninstall recent taskbar or Start-menu customisation tools.

Why this happens

In Windows the taskbar, Start button, system tray and desktop are all run by explorer.exe. If Explorer hangs, the taskbar freezes. Windows 11’s taskbar also relies on system apps, so a failed update or broken app registration can stop it from loading.

Third-party taskbar and Start-menu customisers are a frequent cause after Windows updates change the internals.

What you'll see

  • Taskbar is frozen and clicks do nothing.
  • Taskbar or its icons disappear.
  • Start menu, notifications or system tray won't open.

Common causes

  • Hung Windows Explorer process.
  • Auto-hide or display settings hiding the taskbar.
  • Taskbar customisation tools broken by an update.
  • Corrupted system files or failed update.

How to fix it

  1. Restart Windows ExplorerPress Ctrl+Shift+Esc, find Windows Explorer, right-click → Restart.
  2. Check auto-hideSettings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors → untick Automatically hide the taskbar.
  3. Remove customisation toolsUninstall taskbar/Start tweakers (e.g. older versions of StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher, Start11) or update them.
  4. Install updates or roll one backInstall pending updates; if trouble began right after an update, uninstall it from Update history.
  5. Repair system filesRun the two repair commands below: DISM first, then SFC.
  6. Try a new user accountIf it works in a new local account, your profile's settings are damaged; move files to the new account.

Command

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Elevated Command Prompt. If the taskbar is frozen, open Task Manager → Run new task → cmd, tick 'Create this task with administrative privileges'.

How to confirm the fix: The taskbar responds, Start opens and icons display after a restart.

Stop it happening again

Keep customisation tools updated before installing major Windows updates.