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SilasDonovan's avatar
SilasDonovan
Iron Contributor
Jun 05, 2025

Windows 10 Taskbar Not Loading

I've just recently had an issue with my Windows 10 PC where the Taskbar does not load and was wondering if anyone can advise how to resolve this.

When I startup the PC it logs in fine, the taskbar displays but no icons are visible. When I point on the taskbar I just get the spinning wheel. The Icons load on the Desktop but I'm unable to select anything. I can't type in the Search Bar in the Taskbar due to the spinning wheel and the Windows key on the Taskbar and the keyboard do not open anything.

I've done CTRL - ALT - DEL to load the Task Manager and looked for Windows Explorer, it states Suspended. I've tried restarting however it reloads the screen but again nothing on the taskbar.

The only way I can access any programs is in Task Manager by right clicking on Windows explorer then selecting Open File location. I then have to select the .exe file from the Program File

The CPU appears to be running at 99% as if the PC is stuck in some sort of loop.

Can anyone give me any suggestions of how to resolve this.

4 Replies

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  • WenDalin's avatar
    WenDalin
    Copper Contributor
    Jun 11, 2025

    Identify what's hogging CPU. If it's a specific process (like a background app, malware, or a system process), try ending it temporarily.

  • Eansdean's avatar
    Eansdean
    Copper Contributor
    Jun 10, 2025

    In Task Manager, identify processes consuming high CPU. End task on suspicious or unresponsive processes. If explorer.exe is consuming high CPU, continue troubleshooting.

  • vihargadhesariya's avatar
    vihargadhesariya
    Iron Contributor
    Jun 06, 2025
    1. Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Processes → select “Windows Explorer” → Restart
    2. If still frozen, Ctrl+Shift+Esc → File → Run new task → type cmd → check “Create this task with administrative privileges” → OK
    3. In cmd: sfc /scannow → wait until complete
    4. In cmd: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth → wait until complete
    5. Reboot PC
    6. If issue persists, Shift+Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4 (Enable Safe Mode)
    7. In Safe Mode, repeat step 1; if taskbar loads, create a new user: Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add someone else to this PC → follow prompts → reboot → log into new user
    8. If taskbar still fails in Safe Mode, Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC → choose “Keep my files”
  • vihargadhesariya's avatar
    vihargadhesariya
    Iron Contributor
    Jun 06, 2025

    Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Processes → Windows Explorer → Restart

    Task Manager → File → Run new task → cmd (check Admin) → OK → sfc /scannow → Enter

    After SFC, in same cmd → DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth → Enter

    Reboot PC

    If issue persists, Shift+Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4 (Enable Safe Mode)

    In Safe Mode, test taskbar

    If taskbar works, Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add someone else to this PC → create new account → reboot and log into the new account

    If issue remains in Safe Mode, Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC

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