Windows 10: Using taskbar icons to switch between open applications

I have been using Windows 10 successfully on my HP laptop since I bought it, and in particular clicking on the taskbar icons to switch between open applications. Sometime yesterday evening, for no apparent reason, this facility has ceased to work. Having found previous discussions about this problem, I have made sure all available Windows updates have been installed, but this has not fixed the problem.


I have a work around which involves sizing every window when I open it so that I can see and click on any new window which I open, but this is frustrating and slows down work considerably. What can I do to get back to switching between windows via the taskbar?

:)

 

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.

 

Taskbar icons

Hi,

To address your concern, follow the steps below on how to show hidden icons on the taskbar.

• Open Settings, and click on the Personalization
  icon.
• Click on Taskbar on the left side, and click on the
  Select which icons appear on the taskbar link under the Notification area section on the right.
• Turn on Always show all icons in the notification area at the top

Let us know how it goes.

 

Problem with a combine taskbar icons.

Hello,

In Windows 10, you can personalize the settings of your taskbar. If there are multiple applications opened, same applications will be combined under one taskbar button. If you want to change this setting, we suggest that you follow the steps listed below:

• Press the Start button.
• Click on the Settings app.
• Select Personalization.
• At the left side of your window, click on Taskbar.
• Under Combine taskbar buttons, choose Never.

Kindly update us with the results and if you have further queries, feel free to post back.