After shutting down my Windows 11 PC to move its power connection to a different outlet extender, I started it again and found that most desktop and taskbar icons were missing. Only a few default apps, such as Microsoft Store, Settings, and Claude, still appear. Task Manager also refuses to open through any shortcut or menu. I've already tried CHKDSK, SFC, DISM, restarting DWM, checking IFEO and AppLocker settings, testing a new user account, booting into Safe Mode, rebuilding the icon and thumbnail caches, and running ie4uinit, but nothing has changed. I've also restarted the computer multiple times, including in Safe Mode, and would prefer not to reset or restart it again unless absolutely necessary. What else can I try?
1 Answer
A reboot is usually the first thing to try for a broken Windows shell, but since you’ve already restarted several times—including Safe Mode—and the issue persists, it’s clear that a normal reboot alone isn’t enough here.
That’s what I found too. I’ve restarted repeatedly, both normally and in Safe Mode, and the missing icons and Task Manager problem remain unchanged.