HELP with Windows 10? Lost my task bar?

You are in tablet mode. Go into settings and disable tablet mode to get it back

Same thing happened to me when I upgraded to Windows 10 from 8.1

I will be saying a prayer for you.

I’m saying this not because I’m assuming anything about your competence, but because I’ve worked in IT support and these things happen.

Have you tried moving your mouse to the bottom of the screen? Windows 10 defaults to “auto-hide the taskbar”. You can change this by right-clicking on the screen, clicking “properties” and then unchecking “auto-hide the taskbar”.

@seek I’ve done that before, but moving the mouse to the bottom this time isn’t the issue. I right click on the desktop and get: “This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program, or if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel.”

@Are you kidding me Don’t know how to get to settings since it doesn’t let me in anywhere.

Thinking about uninstalling it but don’t think I can even access the control area to do that.

@cruiser, yes please pray! It is a work computer and I’m sure they think I picked up a virus or something.

I am looking online for answers/solutions too.

Not being able to minimize windows is really messing with my day. I did just remember how to create shortcuts for my e-mail and internet program, so hoping that helps! Guess I’ll have to just make shortcuts to my desktop to help me get thru the day.

Hm… worth a shot: Have you turned on Cortana yet? “Hey Cortana – Open settings” might help.

OK, try this:

Hold down the Windows button (next to the Alt key) and press “A”.

That will open the Action Center. In the upper left of the series of buttons on the bottom of the Action Center screen, you’ll see “Tablet mode” make sure that isn’t highlighted by clicking or tapping on it.

You can also get to “all settings” from there.

@Seek Nope, nothing happens, nothing opens up. I’m screwed, aren’t I?

@Seek I just realized I can’t even turn the PC off except at the power button. My boss did it earlier today and the light kept flashing.

@redhen4 It sounds as if you have exactly what I had. I do not think it is virus related more than a rushed to release bug filled upgrade. I spent 2 months trying EVERY geek fix on the forums for this problem and none worked. I did limp along right clicking the windows Icon on the lower left which opens some shortcuts and thankfully my desktop was intact as I was still able to use email and needed programs. I scrubbed and scrubbed with malware and anitvirus and no luck at all.

My laptop is a work computer too and as things got worse I finally backed up everything (which you should do if you have not done it NOW) and went out and bought the windows 10 operating system disc and did a full new install and works just fine now.

If you did indeed do the upgrade online I did you may ultimately need to do the same of pay the GEEK Squad double/triple the cost of a new DIY install. Also if you do, do not forget to back up your email like I did….DOH!

Has your Windows 10 Start menu stopped working? Here are four ways to fix it

If I had a dollar for every time I tried ^^^ it would have paid for my purchase of the Windows 10 operating system disc

Thank you all!

The next morning when I turned the PC on, I had a working task bar and start button! That was the 6th, on the 7th it was back, today is the 8th and it is still showing.

I’d had a task bar, but no icons and the start button did not work using right or left clicks.

Keeping fingers crossed it stays fixed!