Fix an Application That Appears in Task bar but Doesn't Open or Restore in Desktop

Fix an Application That Appears in Task Bar but Doesn't Open or Restore in Desktop.

Sometime back while I was out of the office, my system crashed with a blue screen message about a hard drive failure. Fortunately, I was able to restart and save any essential files that weren't already backed up. When I got back to the office I ran SpinRite on the hard drive, it didn't find any problems, and I have yet to have another crash.

But recently I launched a program which I had running during the crash. The program appeared in the task bar but nothing happened. When I clicked on the task bar icon it expanded to show a program instance, but nothing happened. When I right clicked on the task bar icon, it expanded to show the program, "Pin the program to the taskbar" and "Close Window." I clicked on the program and got an error saying the program could not access a needed file and the program was terminating. I tried several times to get the program to run and each time I couldn't see the program and eventually getting the same error. I tried several fixes such as renaming the offending file, deleting the file, etc., but nothing worked. Finally I restored to a virtual machine where I was able to run the application and finish my work.

When the program is on a non-existent screen which can happen when a screen is removed or if you drag a program window off the screen (which SHOULD not be possible)

The fix is to use the old keyboard commands to relocate the program to a part of the screen you can see.

This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops, desktops,and tablets running the Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7 operating systems. Works for all major computer manufactures (Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung).

[jatigre]

Select the icon of the browser stuck, then click windows key + D, you're welcome.

[danbo]

Another workaround that helped a bugged shortcut if your app is stuck to left/right of screen

- right click on the shortcut,
-go to properties,
-under shortcut settings,
-look for the command 'Run:',
-change from 'Nomal Window' to 'Maximized'
-Close down the app from task manager if its open, reopen.

Hope this helps someone. :)

[jatigre]

Yesterday my day was difficult because my browser (Opera) was stuck in the taskbar. I even tried downloading and using different browsers but I just couldn't believe how infuriating and frustrating it is watching YouTube with commercials before every video, not to mention all my saved links, the way I handle downloads, night mode, the list goes on, and the easy of use that I'm used to now. It's frightening how dependent we became on a browser.

[kareiviz]

the program just isn't as a window on my pc. it's there, in the task manager and the taskbar but just not visible

[myspacetom_]

i had a question, so basically my task bar shows the application is open and i can hear audio but the window wont pop up and i cant use the application....Help? please?

[seantran]

when I shift+right click on the preview in the taskbar, none of the options show up. the program just minimizes again.

[izri]

I have another weird problem regarding programs. I have some different programs opened. Since some time i cannot bring an opened program forward when clicking it on the taskbar without minimizing the program that is already on the front.

[Mearyeaurng]

yes, your video did the trick. would you know why the computer does that? one of my programs had this problem after I updated it. I just like to know why it does that.

[TheBigBakwas]

I had this problem only with Outlook. When I start outlook, the splash screen will appear on my second (Right) monitor and then it disappears. I could make it appear by clicking on the Outlook icon in taskbar couple of times. In my case, problem was that task bar was set to automatically hide. When Outlook is not visible and if I unselect 'Automatically hide taskbar' option, Outlook window appears instantly. I am running Windows 11.

[AnnoyD]

I have a problem where the window isn't even showing up on the desktop. And I don't have another monitor plugged in.

[Ryderwellsss]

I can’t open anything not even taskmanager my screen is stretched and the apps open but only on my taskbar.I can’t access any settings it’s like my screen is frozen.

[jnugzz]

When I hover over the icon i can see the browser loaded but it never opens on my screen

[mohdsallehmussawari]

How if the apps become invisible? The box plate is there on the screen but unable to see any word or graphic on it. Just like a shadow

[fre]

When i click f1 the first app on my taskbar opens, when i click f2 the second app opens and f3 the third. Do you know how to turn this off? If i click f2 in a game google randomly opens, because it's second on the taskbar

[iasminaize]

You're the best in the world, I swear!
You saved my day at work. 😂😂😂

[broo_shs]

my task bar shows pubg and steam icons, i can move task bar to all side but its shows two task bar, one in low and that what i can move but i can not do anything on that task bar what i can not move and also i can not click on it & its shows clock time, 18.49 so where is the

[bawanjamal]

hello, l try to install an application but after giving administration permission it just shown in taskbar. it will not open
any thought?

[daxt_gamer]

my settings is stuck in the taskbar and i cant access taskbar settings so now I have no way of fixing it

[oofnoobbrian]

I NEED YOUR HELP PLZ i was using obs and i tried opening a sound file and my bottom tab isnt showing up it just shows blue loading thing and my wallapaper and apps are covered by greyness

[tommyhernandez]

Thank you, sir! I'm in Software and yet I still have issues like this -_-