The Case of the Missing Taskbar Icons
Sometimes, for no apparent reason at all you may notice your taskbar icons have disappeared. Not everyone will experience this phenomena, but if you do it can be quite annoying. The requisite solution seems to be to restart Windows. But there’s a quicker, easier way, I tells ya!
If you’re one of those who experiences the phenomena I call The Case of the Missing Taskbar icons, here’s a quick and easy fix:
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open task manager
Find Windows Explorer (located in Processes)
Right-click and choose “Restart”
Your icons will magically re-appear. This will also refresh your desktop icons.
This works every time – unless you have a more serious problem.
my desktop icons disappeared I tried what you suggested and it did not work
Richard,
This article does not apply to desktop icons. This article applies to taskbar icons only – that’s why it’s called “The Case of the Missing Taskbar Icons”.
It appears that you have inadvertently hidden your desktop icons. To fix it, right-click on an empty area of your desktop, click “View” then click on “Show desktop icons”
Once you have clicked on “Show desktop icons” you’ll see a checkmark appear to the left of it (as shown below). Unless you see that checkmark, you won’t see your desktop icons.
Thanks,
TC