Windows 10: ALL panels forced to minimize on task bar. WIll not Restore or Maximize. Includes Task...

I am trying to avoid a wipe and reinstall of windows 10 or a repair. PLEASE GRASP THIS FACT. Every excellently written step by step found here and all the self help you tubes fail because EVERY SINGLE panel will only open locked on task bar. NO chance to Minimize/Restore/operate at all. All the critical steps are not actionable detailed as they are because I can not open the critical panels they cite. Doubt it is the oft cited Tablet Mode. Not sure though as that is one more unreachable setting in minimized panel. Profile is we were using second display with a DP display to HDMI cable from laptop to monitor. Now the desktop is not functional as lap top or as second large screen. Not sure if it forced an update recently or not. We are down to wipe as I do not think I can execute a Restore given the lack of screen function. Any ideas ? If I could get a command line can not it is force minimized I could try the common repair command like system file check sfc. But no joy.

:)

 

folders stay minimed on the task bar. I cannot maximize them or restore them.

folders stay minimized on the task bar. I cannot maximize them or restore them.

 

Task manager opens minimized.

Task manager changed and now opens minimized. It maximizes with no problem with a click but I would like to revert to avoid this step in a problem situation.

 

folders stay minimed on the task bar. I cannot maximize them or restore them.

Hi Richard,



From the above description, I understand you are unable to maximize or restore the minimized folder on the computer. Please reply to a few questions asked below for better understanding and further assistance on the issue:

• Do you get any error code/error message on maximizing/restoring the folders on the computer?
• Is the issue specific to one folder or all the system folders?

Method 1: Run System Maintenance troubleshooter by following the steps below and check the status of computer behavior. System freezes and other irregular behaviors is mostly caused due to the unwanted/unused
files retained in the PC.



System Maintenance troubleshooter will find and clean up unused files and shortcuts present on the system and perform maintenance tasks which will enhance the performance of the PC.

• Press Windows logo key on the keyboard, type Troubleshooting and select the top most search result.
• Select View all from the left side panel of the window.
• Select System Maintenance from the listed options, click on
  Advanced option and check Apply repairs automatically
  option.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the troubleshooting to complete.
• After the troubleshooting is completed, check the status for any missing system components on the computer.
• Close the window and check if the changes are effective.

Method 2: Run SFC scan and
DISM scan by following the steps below and check if the issue is caused due to any of the missing or corrupted system files and folders on the computer.



SFC scan is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files. If a
Windows Resource Protection (WRP) file is missing or is corrupted, Windows may not behave as expected. For example, some Windows functions may not work, or Windows may crash.



Windows corruption errors may prevent Windows updates and service packs from installing. For example, an update might not install if a system file is damaged. The
DISM scan or System Update Readiness tool may help you to fix some Windows corruption errors.



Step 1: Open an Administrator command prompt
window by

• Press Windows logo + X keys on the keyboard and select
  Command Prompt (Admin) option.
• Click on Yes and continue. Provide administrator password if prompted.
• Check if it says Administrator: Command Prompt at the top of the command prompt window.

Step 2: Type the following commands in the
CMD Prompt:



Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth


Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow



Step 3: Close the command window and check if the issue is resolved.



Write to us with the answers to the above questions and the status of folders not maximizing after minimizing on the computer
in the same post for further assistance.
Your reply is most important for us to ensure we assist you accordingly.



Thank you.