Guide: Fix ‘Windows 10 Invisible Taskbar Icons’ Issue
It is very convenient to pin the frequently used apps to the taskbar. It saves the hassle of searching for or opening the start menu to find the app. However, sometimes the taskbar gets creepy, and you regret your decision to pin the apps. Well, I mean that the pinned app icons either disappear from the taskbar or don’t work. In some cases, the app will open, but no icon will appear on the taskbar. One can see the reserved space of the icon, but the actual icon is not visible (ghost icons). While it usually happens with Microsoft apps like Calculator, Edge, Photos, etc., the problem is not limited to these apps as it can happen with any app. So, if you are facing the problem of invisible taskbar icons, then try the solutions below. Let’s take a look at them.
Restart the PC
Let’s start with the simplest solution: restart your PC. However, do not use the restart PC option; shut it down completely and reconnect.
Restart Windows Explorer
You can also try restarting Windows Explorer. Doing so will restart your taskbar and eventually bring back the hidden icons. To do this, follow these steps: Step 1: Right-click on your taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu. You can also press Windows key + X to activate the shortcut menu. Choose Task Manager.
Step 2: Click More details in Task Manager if it opens in the compact version.
Step 3: Click the Processes tab. Scroll down and look for Windows Explorer under Windows Processes. Click on it to select the option and click Restart button
You can also right-click Windows Explorer and select End Task from the menu. Hopefully the ghost icons will start working normally.
Repin Icon to taskbar
A simple solution that has proven helpful is to unpin the icon first and then add it again. To do this, right-click on the invisible icon in the taskbar and select the option ‘Unpin from taskbar’.
If you cannot right-click the icon, click the Start menu and search for the same app. Right-click the app in the Start menu and select Unpin from the taskbar. If it’s not readily available, search under the More option. Once it’s unpinned, pin it again by right-clicking the icon in the Start menu and choosing Pin to Taskbar.
Reinstall the app
Sometimes the automatic update corrupts the app making the icon invisible on the taskbar. The only way to fix the problem and make the app functional again is to reinstall it.
Delete Icon Cache
Another solution that has worked for users is to delete the icon cache. Since the file is located in a hidden folder, you must first unhide the hidden files. Here are the steps for the whole procedure.
Show hidden files
Step 1: Open File Explorer and click File at the top. Select Options from the menu.
Step 2: In the Folder Options, go to the View tab. Here, check ‘Show hidden files, folders and drives’. Click Ok to save the changes.
Delete Cache
After enabling the hidden files, follow these steps: Step 1: Open the C drive (the partition where Windows OS is installed) on your PC and go to Users.
Step 2: Here you will find all registered users on your PC. Double-click on your own username. Step 3: Click on App data followed by Local.
Step 4: In the Local folder, scroll down and look for the IconCache.db file. Right-click on it and click Delete button
Step 5: Restart your PC.
Remove Google Drive
Sometimes the problem is also due to a third party app. If you recently installed another app, uninstall it and see if it fixes the problem. Many users have reported that removing the Google Drive app from their PC brought back the invisible icons. So if you have installed the app try uninstalling it.
Turn off tablet mode
Windows 10 boosted tablet mode. However, the same can sometimes be the cause of many problems. In this case the invisible taskbar icons. Sometimes tablet mode is turned on accidentally and that can result in invisible or no icons on the taskbar. So to fix the problem, you have to turn off the mode.
To do this, open the Action Center by clicking the action center icon in the taskbar (the icon next to the date and time). You can also press the Windows key + A shortcut. If the Tablet Mode option is blue, it means it is enabled. Click it once to turn it off.
PNG registry problem
If none of the aforementioned solutions worked for you, then you should try to restore PNG registry on your PC. Often times the actual problem is in the PNG files resulting in no icons on the taskbar.
Goodbye ghosts
While the above solutions look simple and you wonder why they haven’t tried it before, the solutions work wonders. So before you even think of resetting your PC, you should try them. Hopefully one of the solutions will bring joy back to your life (read invisible taskbar icons). The next up By default, the Windows taskbar does not display internet speed. But you can show it by using the app mentioned in the following post.
Fix ‘Windows 10 Invisible Taskbar Icons’ Issue: benefits
Faq
Final note
I hope you like the guide Fix ‘Windows 10 Invisible Taskbar Icons’ Issue. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends. For our visitors: If you have any queries regards the Fix ‘Windows 10 Invisible Taskbar Icons’ Issue, then please ask us through the comment section below or directly contact us. Education: This guide or tutorial is just for educational purposes. Misinformation: If you want to correct any misinformation about the guide “Fix ‘Windows 10 Invisible Taskbar Icons’ Issue”, then kindly contact us. Want to add an alternate method: If anyone wants to add more methods to the guide Fix ‘Windows 10 Invisible Taskbar Icons’ Issue, then kindly contact us. Our Contact: Kindly use our contact page regards any help. You may also use our social and accounts by following us on Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter for your questions. We always love to help you. We answer your questions within 24-48 hours (Weekend off). Channel: If you want the latest software updates and discussion about any software in your pocket, then here is our Telegram channel.
