The Taskbar is the first thing you’ll notice when you install the most recent version of Windows. The taskbar has been completely redesigned, with app icons and the start menu in the center. What good is a redesigned taskbar if it doesn’t work in the first place? Let’s look at how to fix the Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working.
Many users have reported that when they click on the Windows 11 taskbar, it is blocked or remains inactive. It’s perplexing because the taskbar is an integral part of the Windows 11 operating system, and you’d expect it to work correctly on the first try.
This article will outline solutions for restoring taskbar functionality in Windows 11. Let’s get started without further ado.
Try To Restart Pc
The first thing you can do is restart your computer. It’s the most common method for resolving common Windows 11 issues without resorting to more complicated solutions.
You won’t be able to access the new start menu to restart your Windows 11 PC because the Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working. Instead, press the Alt + F4 keys and choose Restart from the drop-down menu.

Examine the taskbar in Windows 11 after it has been restarted. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next option.
Related: How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows 11: 7 Easy Solutions
Restart Taskbar Services
The taskbar in Windows 11 is part of the OS’s Windows Explorer services. You can try re-accessing the taskbar after restarting the service with Task Manager.
On Windows 11, press Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open the Task Manager (the Windows key won’t work with a disabled taskbar, so you’ll have to use keyboard shortcuts to get to these apps).
- Navigate to the Processes section.
- To get to Windows processes, go to the bottom of the page and scroll down.
- From the list, select Windows Explorer.
- Select Restart from the context menu by right-clicking on it.

Reboot the computer, and the taskbar should now be operational.
Related: How to Fix Slow Google Chrome on Windows 11/10: 7 Easy Fixes
End Task for System Files
If the taskbar in Windows 11 is still not working, you may need to terminate some system files on your computer. Here’s how to do it.
- To open the Task Manager in Windows 11, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- From the menu bar, select the Details tab.
- End the task for each service by right-clicking on it.
- ShellExperienceHost.exe
- SearchIndexer.exe
- SearchHost.exe
- RuntimeBroker.exe
Repair System Files
Following that, we’ll use the Command Line terminal to repair system files in Windows 11. The taskbar in Windows 11 is hampered by some corrupt system files. Follow the steps outlined below.
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
- Open the command terminal by typing cmd.
Enter the following commands one by one, pressing enter after each one.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
These commands will be executed by Windows 11 and damaged files on the computer will be repaired. Close the Command menu and try again to get to the taskbar.
Run Windows Security Scan
You may have infected the Windows 11 system with viruses and malicious files if you have a habit of installing apps and media from untrusted sources on the internet. These files may cause problems with the taskbar, Microsoft Store, and File Manager in Windows 11.
It’s possible that your Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working because of corrupted files on your computer. You should run an anti-virus scan on the computer. But don’t be concerned. You don’t need to buy any anti-virus software from a third party. To remove harmful files from your computer, you can use Microsoft’s excellent Windows Security tool. Follow the steps below to make the necessary changes.
- Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing Windows + I.
- Open the Windows Security menu from the Privacy & Security menu.
- From the following menu, select Windows Security.
- Run a quick scan on your PC by going to Virus & Threat Protection.

Allow Microsoft to remove malicious files and resolve the issue with the Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working.
Update Windows OS
Your computer’s taskbar functionality could be messed up by an out-of-date Windows 11 build. You must update Windows 11 to the most recent version in order to reactivate the taskbar.
Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing Windows + I. Install the latest build from the Update menu on your computer.
Related: How to Select Multiple Files on Windows 10 File Explorer, Here 4 Tricks
Use Taskbar on Windows 11
The taskbar is extremely important in the Windows 11 experience. You may be dissatisfied with Microsoft’s new operating system because the taskbar is broken. The steps outlined above should assist you in resolving the problem.
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