Are you looking how to fix Taskbar Frozen issue in Windows 10, then this article is for you? Here check out the easy ways to fix Windows 10 taskbar frozen issue.
The Frozen taskbar is a common problem that many Windows users are struggling with. Commonly the Windows users who have upgraded their system to Windows 10 or after installing the latest update are facing the Taskbar freezing multiple times issue.
Well, this is very irritating, as the Taskbar become totally unresponsive and the users were unable to click on any element on the taskbar such as start menu, icons, notifications and so on. Not only this, the shortcut on Windows 10 like Win + X and Windows + R keys are also not working.
However, there are some solutions that work helped many users to fix Taskbar Frozen on Windows 10. So here I am sharing with you the possible solutions try them out one by one. But before following the fixes check out the common reasons responsible for frozen taskbar in Windows 10.
Reasons for the Windows 10 Frozen Taskbar:
There are many reasons responsible why the Windows taskbar stops functioning properly. Here check some of the common ones:
- Due to Applications malfunctioning
- The Windows System UI components stop working;
- Installing the damaged or corrupted Windows update.
- Due to ShellExperienceHost failure
- Cortana failure
Well, these are some possible reasons but there might be another reason as well, however below check out the possible solutions that helped many to unfreeze frozen taskbar on Windows 10.
How to Fix Windows 10 Taskbar Frozen Issue
Well, there is no any root cause of the problem as this very common on Windows. Some users have confirmed that the problem is linked to Dropbox and other faulty applications.
So, here check out some of the possible solutions to fix the Frozen taskbar issue on Windows 10.
# First Try the Quick Fixes:
Try some easy solutions that might work in your case:
- If you are facing the issue after installing the latest Windows update, then roll back the update.
- Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter: Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, this worked for many users. To locate the troubleshooter open Settings > Updates & Security > Troubleshoot
- Or perform a Clean Boot: Try performing a clean boot, this will help you to identify the real cause like antivirus, malware or VPN tools for the frozen taskbar.
Now check if the unresponsive or frozen taskbar on Windows 10 is resolved or not.
Solution 1: Run an SFC Scan
Try performing SFC scan this helps you to detect and fix Windows issues:
Follow the given instruction:
- To launch the Windows Task Manager > press Ctrl + Shift + Esc key
- And in the Task Manager > click on Start > Run new task and type cmd in the open box > now check the box “Create this task with administrative privileges” > click OK.
- In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow > hit Enter
- And wait for the whole process to complete this will take (approx 15 min.) > restart your system.
Now check if the issue is resolved or not but if still the taskbar is frozen in Windows then type the DISM command this is another inbuilt utility to scan, detect and fix common Windows errors.
- In the command type > dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth > hit Enter
- Restart your PC and check the frozen taskbar issue is resolved or not.
You May Also Read:
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Solution 2: Restarting Windows Explorer
This is a working solution that helped many users to fix frozen taskbar issue in Windows 10.
Follow the steps to do so:
- Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys for opening the Windows Task Manager.
- Then in Task Manager click Start > Run a new task and in the open box type Explorer > and check the “Create this task with administrative privileges” > click OK.
Or else you can also do this:
- Open Windows Task Manager > in the processes tab > search for Explorer
- Now, right-click on the Explorer entry > choose Restart.
- And explorer will restart
Hope the taskbar start working now in Windows 10.
Solution 3: Powershell Fix
If the above steps won’t work for you then make use of the Powershell command this might help you to unfreeze the frozen taskbar.
Follow the steps:
- Launch the Windows Task Manager as given in the above steps:
- Now click on More details > choose the Services tab and check the MpsSvc (Windows Firewall) is running.
- Hit Windows + R key to open Run prompt > in the prompt type Powershell > hit Enter.
- However, if the Run prompt fails > open Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch > click Start > run the New task.
- In the open box type Powershell > check the box “Create this task with administrative privileges” > click OK.
- Next in the Powershell window > paste the command Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} > hit Enter
Hope the taskbar start performing without any issue.
Solution 4: Enable User Manager
If the Users Manager is disabled in the Windows 10 taskbar this may cause frozen taskbar. So, it is worth to re-enable the Users Manager.
Follow the steps to do so:
- Hit Windows + R key> type services.msc > click OK. This will open the services console.
- And search for User Manager > double-click it.
- Next set the Startup type to Automatic > Start the service if it is stopped > click OK.
- Restart your PC > the taskbar start functioning perfectly.
Solution 5: Uninstall Applications
As I said above certain applications like Dropbox and Classic Shell are causing the issue. If you found some applications cause the issue then try removing to fix the error.
Follow the steps:
- In the installed applications > locate the applications and double-click on it. and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process
- And restart your PC
Now check if the issue is resolved or not.
Solution 6: Disable Recently Opened Items
Some recently opened application can slow down the list and disabling them makes it fast and as well prevents some freezing.
Follow the instructions to do so:
- Press Win + I > open Settings app.
- Next move to Personalization > Start
- And slide the toggle button next to Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar to turn OFF
- Now hit Windows + R keys > open the RUN prompt > type appwiz.cpl > hit Enter.
Now restart your system, hope on the next reboot the taskbar should not freeze issue is resolved. or else you can also scan your system with the Windows Repair Tool, this is the best tool that just by scanning once, detect and fixes various Windows issues and errors. With this, you can also fix Registry error, PC error, Network error, hard Drive, damages/ corruption of the Windows system files, malware/viruses and many others.
Conclusion:
It is estimated that after following the given fixes you are able to fix frozen taskbar in Windows 10. But you need to be very careful while typing the commands and following the steps.
As a small mistake can take over your entire system and cause further issues.
Also, check the device drivers and update them, delete the temp files, scan your system with good antivirus software and remove unwanted software from time to time to maintain the Windows PC performance and other issues.
Additionally, if you find the article helpful or have any query, comment, questions or suggestions related, then please feel free to share it with us in the comment section below or you can also go to our Fix Windows Errors Ask Question Page.
Good Luck!!!


