Language bar missing after restart

Farokh Mo 0 Reputation points
2026-09-24T14:39:53.3666667+00:00

Since a Windows update around mid-June or July of 2026, the input language indicator on the taskbar, which lets me switch between English and Kurdish, intermittently disappears after restarting the computer. When this happens, the icon does not reappear on its own, and I have to try multiple workarounds, including restarting again, to restore it. This did not happen before that update. It happens consistently enough to be disruptive, since I rely on quickly switching between English and Kurdish while typing. This happens with almost every restart, not just occasionally. "Is there a permanent fix or workaround to stop this from happening, or is this a known bug Microsoft is aware of?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language

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  1. Clary-N 16,550 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-25T00:38:37.61+00:00

    Hi Farokh Mo,

    Thanks for confirming that Windows is already fully updated. The KB referenced in the AI Answer applies to an older Windows 10 issue, so I don’t believe that particular fix matches your Windows 11 system.

    When the language indicator disappears, could you check whether Windows key + Space still switches between English and Kurdish? Also, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locate Windows Explorer, right-click it and select Restart. Please let me know whether that restores the indicator. This will help determine whether only the taskbar icon is failing to load or whether the input feature itself is affected.

    It would also be useful to test this in a new local user account:

    1. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users.
    2. Select Add account.
    3. Select "I don’t have this person’s sign-in information", followed by "Add a user without a Microsoft account".
    4. Create the temporary account, then sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
    5. Add the English and Kurdish keyboard layouts under Settings > Time & language > Language & region, restart the computer and check whether the indicator remains visible.

    If it works normally in the new account, the problem is likely limited to your current Windows profile. If it also disappears there, try removing only the Kurdish keyboard layout, restarting Windows and then adding the layout again.

    Could you also share the Windows version and OS build shown when you press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter? Please avoid including any account name or other personal information from that window.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-24T14:40:25.34+00:00

    Yes. This is a known Windows issue that affected devices with more than one language installed, where the Input Indicator and Language Bar might not appear in the notification area after certain updates released on June 28, 2022 or later.

    A supported fix is:

    1. Install KB5016616 or a later update, because Microsoft states this issue is addressed there.
    2. If the device is still on an affected update before that fix, restart Windows. Microsoft notes that a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) can take up to 24 hours to propagate automatically to consumer and non-managed business devices, and restarting can help it apply faster.

    If the language bar is still missing after the update path above, check whether it is hidden:

    1. Press the Windows logo key, type Control, and open Control Panel.
    2. Go to Clock, Language, and Region > Change input methods.
    3. Select Advanced settings.
    4. Under Switching input methods, select Use the desktop language bar when it’s available, then select Options.
    5. In Text Services and Input Languages > Language Bar tab, make sure Floating On Desktop or Docked in the taskbar is selected.

    If switching input methods also stops working when the icon disappears, verify the input service:

    1. Open services.msc.
    2. Find Text Input Management Service.
    3. Open Properties.
    4. If Startup type is Disabled, change it to Manual or Automatic.
    5. If the service is not running, start it.
    6. Sign out and sign back in.

    For normal use after it is visible again, Alt+Shift switches keyboard layouts.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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