Windows 10: Taskbar and keys not working

Hello, my problem is that my Windows task bar and search tool are not responding. The icons, like google chrome etc. have disappeared. I've tried searching for fixes, but noticed that some of them need the use of programs that can only be opened from the search bar, or keyboard shortcuts which aren't working if they require the use of the windows key. Therefore I can't e.g. use the System Configuration tool Other keys that aren't working are the sound keys my computer's stuck on silent mode and the airplane mode key, which does work but leaves "flight mode on" or "flight mode off" notification on the screen.

Is there any way to fix this, or is there no hope of recovery?

:)

 

Windows 10 Taskbar is not working and "fixes" don't fix it.

Hi Carole,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community and being a part of Windows 10.

I understand your concern about accessing Taskbar on Windows 10. We will help you with resolving the issue.

Provide us the additional information to understand the issue and assist you better:

• What exactly happens when you press Alt+Tab keys from the keyboard to switch between the apps?
• Have you made any changes to the operating system prior to this issue?
• What are the troubleshooting steps you have tried to resolve the issue?

As you said Taskbar is not working, and you will minimize all the opened apps to access the one you wish to from Taskbar. Be clear with how exactly you are trying to accessing the apps from Taskbar.

Step 1: I suggest you to check if you have enabled the Auto-hide option for Taskbar, if so try to disable and check if it helps.

Steps to enable auto-hide Taskbar:

• Right click in the empty space on the Taskbar, click on
  Properties,
• Under Taskbar tab, uncheck the Auto-hide the Taskbar option, click on
  Apply and Ok.

Step 2: I suggest you to install all the pending updates on your device.

• Connect to the internet.
• Press Windows key and type
  updates.
• Click on Check for updates.
• Under Windows Updates, click on
  Check for updates.
• Try to install the updates being shown.

Hope it helps. Get back to us with an updated status of this issue and brief description for further assistance.

 

Taskbar disable, key command to activate

Hi,

Welcome to Microsoft community and thank you for posting your query.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. Let me help you to fix the issue.

Let’s try simple troubleshooting steps and check if this helps. I would suggest you to auto hide the taskbar. Follow the below steps.

• 
  Right click on the taskbar and select properties.
  
• Check on the box Auto-hide taskbar, click on Apply and click on
  OK.

Hope it helps. Keep posting us with the status we will be glad to help you.

 

Taskbar bug: switching to another window -will not appear at the front


I have been trying to fix this for months. Your solution Method 1 seemed to work. THANK YOU!!!!