How to Fix Taskbar Crash?

The most common fixes for a crashing taskbar involve restarting a key Windows process or disabling specific features.

A crashing taskbar can be frustrating, making it difficult to interact with your computer. Fortunately, there are a few straightforward methods you can try to resolve this issue.

Restarting Windows Explorer

One of the most effective ways to fix a taskbar crash is by restarting the Windows Explorer process. This process controls the user interface elements like the taskbar, desktop, and file manager. Restarting it can often resolve temporary glitches.

Here's how to do it:

1. Open Task Manager. You can usually do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager."
2. Go to the Processes tab.
3. Scroll down to the "Windows processes" group.
4. Find Windows Explorer in the list.
5. Right-click on Windows Explorer.
6. Select Restart.

Your taskbar and desktop icons might briefly disappear and then reappear as the process restarts.

Disable News and Interests Feed (Windows 10)

For users on Windows 10, some have reported that the News and Interests feed feature on the taskbar can sometimes contribute to crashes. Disabling this feature has been noted as a potential fix.

To disable the News and Interests feed:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your taskbar.
2. Hover over News and interests.
3. Select Turn off.

This removes the weather and news feed from your taskbar, which may help stabilize it if that feature was causing conflicts.

These two methods, restarting Windows Explorer and disabling News and Interests (on Windows 10), are primary troubleshooting steps derived from common fixes for taskbar issues.