Windows 10: Portions of Task bar dead

Toshiba Satellite L55-A5226, W10 Pro

Problem just popped up today. I can't launch any program from the task bar. Clicking on the search box does nothing, neither does clicking on the Windows logo. I can launch programs from the desktop OK, and if I place a desktop item on the task bar, that item will launch. Because of this problem, I can't launch my Edge browser. What can I do to get the task bar working again? I need an answer soon since this is my only computer now (other was stolen 2 days ago)
Fortunately, I had Google Chrome already installed

:)

 

Cannot modify Task Bar settings

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern and will be happy to assist you.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if the issue persists.

• Right click on the Task Bar.
• Uncheck the option " Lock the Taskbar."

Hope this helps.

 

Windows 10 task bar -- how to adjust the bottons portion vs the icon portion?

The buttons at the left of the task bar are so numerous that they are scrolled, and the icons at the right of the task bar are taking 2/3s of its width. In the past, the icons at the right appeared in a little group that I'd click on to view...I would like
to return to this....I did not change anything intentionally.

So, how can I make the "button" portion of the taskbar (the part to the left where pinned and running programs are displayed) extend more to the right and not require scrolling? And at the same time have the task bar icons at the right side of the task
bar appear in a "click to see all" sort of group or tray?

 

Task bar

Task bar sits high off the bottom om the screen.

Upper portion of window is not visible