Windows 10: Task bar not showing running programs nor pinned programs

Basically what the title reads, the task bar shows just as a screen wide grey bar but it does not show any icons. Programs are still pinned to it since when I hover the mouse pointer, it shows the contour of the icons, and if I left click they run and if I right click they show recently opened files with that app.Also, it does not show the battery, volume or internet connection and if I go to settings, those three icons are greyed out.How can I make the task bar to show the icons again?

:)

 

how to successfully pin files to the task bar

I use to be able to drag and drop files onto the task bar and they would reside withing the file list for that program. Since the recent upgrade it appears that I am not able to pin a file to the program on the task bar. Suggestions?

 

Programs run minimized on task bar

First it was chrome then a week or so later Excel started doing it. The program open and they show on the task bar if you move the curser over them you can see that the program is open but you can not enlarge the small window the controls for enlarge and
minimize do not show only an x to close. I do not know of any software changes unless there was an update for something.

I tried the steps you outlined and they had no effect.

Thanks for the help, any other suggestions? I am lost without my excel!

 

Programs run minimized on task bar

I am using windows 10 and two programs run on the task bar as minimized I have not been able to find a way to enlarge the programs. First it was Chrome and now Excel is doing the same thing. Any suggestions?