Windows icon in task bar not working

Hi Sydney. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

1 Does it work in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf... ?

2) If so see if you can System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

You can System Restore from Repair Mode if it will not work in Windows, following one of these paths: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

3) Try re-registering the Start Menu from https://www.kapilarya.com/re-register-start-men.... This also fixes the Start button and task menu.

If you need to run it from Repair Mode Command Prompt use whichever method works here:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

4) 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, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

4) Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

5) If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

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You may need to create bootable media to access Repair Mode to System Restore, try the new Uninstall Updates button, do a Reset or do the gold standard Clean install. The bootable media has it's own drivers, repair and installation files which often work when Windows or the other Repair Mode doesn't.

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then System Restore, and Uninstall Updates. If that fails go back to Troubleshoot Options to try a Reset.

If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

Everything needed to get the best possible Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is a better install than any amount of money can buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn what works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using these methods: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I solved your problem, 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.

Since you replied to my issue I remembered that i had a message pop up that said I had an update and could elect to do it later or update and shut down or restart.  (I think thats close to what it said). So, I elected to update and shut down for the evening. Don’t know if this will make any difference to what you are recommending I do here to get it back up and running or not but thought I’d tell you. 

i attempted your first step by holding down the Shift key and clicking on the Power button to get into Safe Mode. It went through the menus shown in the link you provided. However, now it will not accept my four digit passcode so that I can login now. 

I should tell you up front I’m not real tech savvy so now I have no clue what to do.  I’m working with following your instructions by accessing your instructions in my email on my iphone which is not that easy. 

I do believe the update caused whatever this problem is. Makes me hesitant to ever do any updates in the future because this is not the first time things have gotten messed up after an update. 

Appreciate further assistance. 

Sydney, you'll need the password to get into Safe Mode.

If that doesn't work then move onto the next step to try to System Restore to a point before the Update by triggering the Repair Mode by one of the methods given here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

From there you can try System Restore, the new Uninstall Updates button (yes, they know they're bad), or even a Reset if necessary.

Keep me posted as I'll be here to help until it's resolved.

Thank you Greg for such a quick response. I will use your suggested method and see what happens. I’ll let you know as soon as I can. I really appreciate your continuing to work with me until this is resolved. 

Sydney, how is this going now?

Have been at work and haven’t had sufficient time to work on it. I am planning to work on it tomorrow afternoon. I have to get it fixed soon in order to work on our tax returns. Thanks for asking. I will keep you posted. 

Im at my computer now to work on it. Its not that I don’t have the password, my four digit pin doesn’t get me in any longer. I’ve tried it several times and it just keeps telling me the password is incorrect. 

I’ve read thru your last instructions and am somewhat confused on how to get in without my pin. 

Are you following the steps I gave to try to get into Safe Mode which requires the password and not PIN? You can also try signing into Windows with the password by choosing the different Sign In Option on the Sign-in Screen. Everyone must have a password to have a PIN, and it's always available to sign in on the Sign In screen.

Ok. I found the password and was able to get past the screen asking for my PIN. Let me go back to your initial instructions and try following them again. I’ll let you know soon how far I get.  Thanks for your patience. 

Glad to hear your progress, Sydney. Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.