Windows 10: active programs on taskbar - how do you make them 'active' again

When I have any programs open that have gone to the taskbar because another program opened... How do I get any of those programs to activate again from taskbar?
This has driven me nuts since I got Win 10.
I click on the program icon on taskbar, and nothing happens. Only way I can get program active again is to right click, and start another instance of it.
I hope I'm making this clear. Cuz I really want to know how to get around this.
Thanks

:)

 

Epson printer icon

Why do you need it on the taskbar? Your printer is activated when you click on Print in a program or app.

 

Taskbar Icons-Program will not reactivae and are stuck on taskbar

After actively using a program, If I walk away from PC the Icon goes to taskbar, when I return to PC I can see the Program is operating and I can close the program but unable to activate the program again, also cannot just restart the application it only
opens in the taskbar. So far only fix is to restart PC and then reopen the application.

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum category.***

 

See if this tutorial can hep...................
How to Clear and Reset the Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html

Please use Option Two.
It's easiest and fastest.

And, just in case................
How to Rebuild the Icon Cache in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5...dows-10-a.html

 

Davidhk,
Thanks so very much. I've searched the web, several forums, and found it hard to believe I was the only one with this problem. Thing is, I bought this laptop with Win 10 already installed, so it's weird that thumbnail cache would have gotten that cluttered - I'm assuming that was the problem that your utility fixes.
I might be able to live with 10 now!
*Smile

 

You are welcome.
So issue resolved ?

 

David,

I followed your advice and for 1 day, taskbar active apps would open up when I clicked on them. Then problem started again so I cleared thumbnail cache again. One more time - it was OK for a day or two, then problem returned.
Any other ideas?

Thanks for the help.

 

No idea why it happens so frequently.

A troubleshooting suggestion only.................
Right click at Start button > click Command Prompt (Admin) > at the flashing prompt, copy/paste this.......
sfc /scannow

> press Enter.
It will take quite sometime.
When finished, it will give you one of the 3 reports...............(paraphrasing)
1. No integrity violation.
2. Found corrupt files and repair successful.
3. Found corrupt files but unable to repair.

If the report is #1, your solution lies elsewhere.
If the report is #2, check if your problems have been resolved.
If the report is #3, use this method................
In the same Command Prompt (Admin) windows, copy and paste this command...........

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

> press Enter.
Again it will take some time.
When finished, it will give you a report.