Windows 10: Icons for running apps suddenly disappear from the taskbar

I have had a couple of instances lately where the icons for all running apps suddenly disappear from the taskbar. If I restart the computer, the icons for any apps that I initiate appear in the taskbar. However, if I restart the computer I may lose any unsaved changes in what I was working on. Is there any way to access a running app if it's not displayed in the taskbar?

:)

 

Taskbar Icons Disappeared

Every time I restart my PC, all icons that I have previously pinned to the taskbar disappear (both store and desktop applications). To see them again, I have to open any of these apps, only its icon now shows on the taskbar, when I right-click on it and
choose to unpin it then pin it again, suddenly all the other icons also appear normally.

I'm running Windows 10 Pro version 1703 build 15063.413

It is really annoying me, anybody has any solution to this problem?

 

System Icons on taskbar

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Communities.

Are you referring to the clock system icon on the taskbar?

If so, I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below:

• 
  Click on the search bar on the taskbar.
  
• 
  Type system icons.
  
• 
  Under Turn System Icons ON or OFF, turn On the Clock and check with the issue.
  

Hope it helps.

 

Google Drive icon disappeared from notification area on right side of taskbar

Dear ArleneL,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community



I understand the importance of having quick access to your Google Drive icon in the notification area of your Windows taskbar and the inconvenience caused by its sudden disappearance.

To resolve this issue, please follow the steps below:

1. Check Hidden Icons:
   
   • Click the up arrow (^) located in the notification area to view hidden icons.
     
   • Look for the Google Drive icon among the hidden icons. If you find it there, you can drag and drop it to the visible area for easy access.
     
2. Reset Notification Area Icons:
   
   • Open the "Settings" app by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
     
   • Go to "Personalization" and then click on "Taskbar".
     
   • Scroll down and click on "Other system tray icons".
     
   • Find Google Drive in the list and ensure that the toggle switch is turned on.
     
3. Reinstall Google Drive: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider reinstalling Google Drive Sync following these steps:
   
   • Uninstall Google Drive from your computer through the Control Panel or Settings.
     
   • Download and reinstall Google Drivefrom the official website.
     

If after doing these troubleshooting steps and only the Google Drive icon is showing up with this issue, I suggest you head over to the official Google Drive forums and post a query, they may be able to provide more specific guidance on the issue you're facing.

Google Drive Community

Please feel free to reach out if you require further assistance.

Warm regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist