How do I restore the Taskbar at the bottom of my screen?

Mzwandile Mangcu 0 Reputation points
2026-11-13T07:07:46.91+00:00

Up to a few days ago, the Taskbar was showing at the bottom of the screen. Not anymore. It helps, hence I need to restoree it.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Task Bar
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  1. DaveM121 948.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-13T07:43:48.47+00:00

    1

    Open the Settings App.

    Go to Personalization - Taskbar.

    Check if the option to hide the Taskbar is enabled, if so, disable that setting.

    2

    If that does not resolve the problem, open Task Manage.

    Select the Processes tab.

    Find the Windows Explorer task, right click it and select Restart, the screen will go blank for a second or two, then check if the Taskbar is back.

    3

    If that does not resolve the problem.

    Open the Settings App (Windows Key + i).

    Go to System - Recovery.

    Click the 'Reinstall Now' button in the 'Fix problems with Windows Updates' section and wait for that process to complete, this process does not affect your files, settings or installed apps.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-13T07:08:39.51+00:00

    Turn off taskbar auto-hide in Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors → Automatically hide the taskbar.

    1. Move the pointer to the very bottom edge of the screen; if the taskbar appears, right-click it and select Taskbar settings.
    2. Alternatively, press Windows key + I, then open Personalization → Taskbar.
    3. Expand Taskbar behaviors.
    4. Clear Automatically hide the taskbar. The taskbar should remain visible afterward. ^1^

    If it is on another edge

    If the taskbar appears at the top or side and Taskbar position is available:

    1. Open Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors.
    2. Set Taskbar position to Bottom.

    This position control is available on Windows 11 versions receiving the newer taskbar customization feature. ^2^

    If the taskbar is completely absent

    Restart Windows Explorer, which manages the taskbar:

    1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    2. Select Processes.
    3. Find Windows Explorer.
    4. Right-click it and select Restart.

    The desktop may briefly disappear and reload; the taskbar should return. ^3^

    Also check these applicable cases:

    • Multiple displays: Press Windows key + P, then temporarily select PC screen only. This rules out the taskbar being displayed on a disconnected or secondary screen.
    • 2-in-1 device: In Taskbar settings, turn off the tablet-optimized taskbar option if present. On supported devices, the tablet taskbar can remain collapsed until you swipe upward from the bottom. ^1^
    • If Explorer still does not restore it, restart the PC and install available updates from Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. ^4^

    References

    1. Windows 11
    2. August 27, 2026—KB5120998 (OS Builds 26200.9278 and 26100.9278) Preview
    3. Show bottom taskbar - Microsoft Q&A
    4. Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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