Windows 11 Update: Taskbar and Settings Missing

After updating to Windows 11, I'm having trouble accessing my taskbar and computer settings.

Hey there Sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your taskbar and settings after updating to Windows 11. I’m here to help you troubleshoot the issue.

First, let’s try some basic troubleshooting steps to see if we can resolve the issue quickly.

  1. Restart your computer: This might seem obvious, but sometimes a simple reboot can fix a lot of issues. Make sure you save any open work and restart your computer.
  2. Check for pending updates: It’s possible that there are pending updates that need to be installed. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then click on Update & Security and check for updates.
  3. Disable and re-enable the taskbar: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type “taskbar” and press Enter. This will open the Taskbar settings. Toggle the switch to disable the taskbar, wait for 10 seconds, and then toggle it back on.

If none of these steps work, let’s dive a bit deeper.

Taskbar issues: If your taskbar is still missing, try the following:

  1. Press the Windows key + D: This will show your desktop and might bring back your taskbar.
  2. Check for conflicting apps: Some apps might be interfering with your taskbar. Press the Windows key + Tab to open the Task View, and then close any recently opened apps.
  3. System File Checker (SFC) scan: This will scan your system files for corruption and fix any issues. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”), then type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

Settings issues: If you’re still having trouble accessing your computer settings, try the following:

  1. Press the Windows key + I: This should open the Settings app. If it doesn’t, try pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Settings” from the menu.
  2. Check for corrupted settings files: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type “%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Settings” and press Enter. Delete any files you find in this folder, then restart your computer.

If none of these steps work, you might want to consider resetting your Windows 11 installation or seeking further assistance from Microsoft support.

Let me know if any of these steps help you resolve the issue