taskbar issues: window icon/search doesn’t work, etc

Understanding and Resolving Taskbar and System Functionality Issues on Windows 10

Experiencing sudden and unexplained issues with your Windows 10 taskbar and system features can be frustrating, especially when standard troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem. This article aims to guide you through common causes and effective solutions for such anomalies, based on a real-world user scenario.

Overview of the Issue

A Windows 10 user reported multiple taskbar and system function problems that arose unexpectedly, following an attempt to play a game called Peak. The issues included:

Non-responsive Start Menu button
Search bar unresponsive
Context menu options on taskbar icons not working
Action Center buttons (volume, Wi-Fi, clock) unresponsive
Persistent highlighting of taskbar icons even when not hovered
Inability to use keyboard shortcuts such as Shift + Win + S
Failure to open Settings
Unexpected on-screen Numpad at login screen
Problems with the Peak game, such as microphone not working, and inconsistent startup behavior

Troubleshooting Steps Taken

The user attempted standard fixes, including:

Restarting the system
Restarting Windows Explorer via Task Manager
Running system file checker (sfc /scannow)
Executing DISM cleanup commands

Despite these efforts, the issues persisted, leading to a desire to avoid more drastic measures like reinstalling Windows.

Potential Causes

These symptoms suggest several potential underlying issues:

Corrupted System Files or Registry Entries: Files critical to the Windows shell may be damaged.
Conflicting or Faulty Software: Applications or recent updates interfering with system processes.
Malware or Security Threats: Malicious software affecting system stability.
Incomplete or Failed Updates: Pending or failed Windows updates impacting core features.
Hardware Drivers Problems: Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially for input devices or peripherals.