Pinned taskbar icons missing, however they're all still listed in %AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar

I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Run the Start Menu troubleshooter: http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/2/2/F2...

Reset the icon cache: https://www.howtogeek.com/232779/how-to-rebuild...

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...


But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks for the detailed reply.  I ran the start menu troubleshooter which came back with "Tile database is corrupt."  with a status of "Not fixed."

How do I go about resolving this issue?  I've found some other threads from 2016 that say the only fix is to create a brand new user and transfer everything over which is a big hassle and I really don't want to go down that path.

See this:
[How To] Re-register Start Menu In Windows 10
https://www.kapilarya.com/re-register-start-men...

also:

1. Open Notepad.

2. Copy the following text into Notepad:

@echo off

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe

taskkill /f /im shellexperiencehost.exe

timeout /t 3 /NOBREAK > nul

del %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\TempState\* /q

timeout /t 2 /NOBREAK > nul

start explorer

@echo on

3. Click File and Save.

4. Choose a location to save the file. Enter a “File name” of ClearTileCache.bat and select “Save as type” of All files (*.*). Click Save.

5. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location that you chose to save the file to. Double-click ClearTileCache.bat to run the file.

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Hello,

None of the above have worked.  Start menu troubleshooter says tile database is corrupt and can't fix it.  I was unable to reset the icon cache as I keep getting access denied on two of the iconcache files even in safe mode with the explorer process killed.  

I ran the ClearTileCache.bat file but that didn't fix anything.  Any other ideas?