Taskbar is gone, only gives loading circle, desktop occasionally blinks black

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with the taskbar and desktop after a recent update to Windows 11. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Reset the Graphics Driver: Sometimes, the graphics driver can cause display issues. You can reset it by pressing the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. This may resolve the blinking screen issue.
2. Check Shell Configuration: Ensure that the Shell value in the registry is set correctly. You can do this by:
   • Pressing the Windows logo key + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.
   • Navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon and checking the Shell value. It should be set to explorer.exe. If it's not, you may need to change it.
3. Perform a Clean Boot: If the issue persists, performing a clean boot can help identify if a startup application or service is causing the problem. This process disables all non-Microsoft services and startup items.
4. Re-register Shell Experience Host: You can also try re-registering the Shell Experience Host by running the following command in PowerShell as an administrator:

      Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*ShellExperienceHost*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
   

   After running this command, restart your system.
5. Clear the Icon Cache: If the Google Chrome icon is showing incorrectly, clearing the icon cache might help. You can do this by ending the Windows Explorer process in Task Manager, deleting the IconCache.db file from %userprofile%\AppData\Local, and then restarting Windows Explorer.

These steps should help you resolve the issues with your taskbar and desktop. If problems persist, consider seeking further assistance or checking for additional updates that might address these issues.

Hi, good day!

Please try the following methods below.

• Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Select the Processes tab.

Scroll down and look for Windows Explorer

Right click then select Restart.

• Please try to run SFC and DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca

After that, restart your computer

Note: You can open command prompt by doing this,

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager then click File

Select "Run new task" then type: cmd

Make sure to put a check mark on the "Create this task with administrative privileges" box

Continue with the commands within the link above.

• Repair all Windows apps via PowerShell

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager then click File

Select "Run new task" then type: powershell

Make sure to put a check mark on the "Create this task with administrative privileges" box

Copy and paste the command below one at a time then press Enter. Please ignore the red errors and let the process complete.

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register "$($_. InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_. InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Please try to return to the login screen

While holding the Left Shift key, click the Power icon at the bottom right > Restart

This will bring you to Windows Recovery Environment

Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates

Uninstall latest quality update

If this doesn't work, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore

Select the restore point at an earlier date where everything is still working.

Click Next then Finish