Windows 10: Taskbar and desktop changed

I recently attempted to adjust the "view" settings in my Quicken program. When I was done my desktop and taskbar had changed in the following ways:


Desktop-I get no choices when I right-click on the desktop. My applications, which used to appear above the windows start button in alphabetical list , are now distributed across the middle of the desktop. I now have a start button icon in the upper left corner of my desktop along with a "pin tiles button" and an "all apps" button which distributes my applications icon to the middle of the screen.


Taskbar-When right clicking the taskbar I get a whole new set of choices none of which I have much use for. I can't unlock the taskbar with this or any other command. I don't have the start up programs that used to be accessible from the bottom right area with access to things like my virus and malware software. I do get a whole set of choices when I right-click the start button.


I have run sfc and DISM utilities with no result


Some controls like "minimize" have disappeared from application window, especially those associated with Windows products like Microsoft Edge and some options in the settings menus don't appear to be there.

:)

 

Cannot change desktop icon


Sometimes a desktop icon changes from what it was to a plain white folder. Might be something I did but not sure what.

To change it to the icon I want, I go:

1. Rt-click icon > Properties > Change icon
2. I select the icon I want from the thumbnails of icons.
3. Click OK
4. Click Apply

But the icon does not change. It just stays looking like a white folder.
HOWEVER, if I pin the icon to the taskbar, the icon on the taskbar does look like the icon I selected in step-2. So the change is registered with Win10 but the icon on the desktop just doesn't change.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

taskbar tranparency

Hi Dan,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused. I will surely assist you with this.

I would suggest you to change the desktop themes and check if you are able to see the transparent taskbar.

If that doesn't help I would suggest you to end the explorer.exe and restart it and see if you are able to see the transparent taskbar.

Please follow the steps below to restart explorer.exe:

stop and start Explorer.exe

• • 
    Right click on the taskbar and select task manager.
    
  • 
    In the process Right click on windows explorer and end the task
    
  • 
    Restart the task by clicking on the file and select new task
    
  • 
    Type Explorer.exe and press enter.
    

And see if it helps.

Do let us know the result. We will be glad to help if you need further assistance.

 

The text colour in taskbar changed automatically

Hello Desmond,

We regret for the inconvenience. Let me assist you with additional information from here.

From the description provided, I understand that the Taskbar is not showing correct color compositions.

With default settings, Windows 10 uses black color for Start menu, taskbar and action center.
I suggest you to follow the below methods and see if it helps in the current situation.

Method 1

Follow the below recommendation in order to set the color composition of your preference.

A. Change the taskbar color to your desired one.

Step 1: Right-click on desktop and then click Personalize option to Personalization section of Settings app.

Step 2: In the left-pane, click Colors to see various settings on the right.

Step 3: On the right-side, turn on the option labelled
Show color on Start, taskbar, and action center. Make sure that the first option labelled
Automatically pick an accent color from my background is turned
off.

Step 4: Now, under Choose your accent color, click on a tile to select and set it as the color for your taskbar, Start menu and action center.

B. Change the taskbar color to match desktop background.

Step 1: Open Personalization section of Settings app. To do so,
right-click on desktop and then click Personalize.

Step 2: On the left-side, click Colors.

Step 3: Now, on the right-side, turn on the following options:

• Automatically pick an accent color from my background.
• Show color on Start, taskbar, and action center.

Method 2

Try to find out if you can change the way the Windows Theme looks like.

1. Type in the Search bar Change the Theme

2. Choose any one under Windows Default Themes.

You can also tweak the color and appearance of taskbar, Windows borders and Start Menu.

1. Open the Settings Charm with the shortcut, Windows key

+
I

2. Click on the Personalization.

3. Click on the Color.

4. Choose your color and click on Save changes.

5. The color of the taskbar, window borders and start menu is now changed.

Please write to us with the updated information for us to be able to assist you further.

Thank you.