How to Restore File Explorer Icon on Taskbar
Are you struggling to find the File Explorer icon on your taskbar? It’s a common issue that many Windows users face. Whether it’s due to a system crash, a recent update, or a software conflict, the missing File Explorer icon can be quite frustrating. But don’t worry; there are several methods you can try to restore it. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to restore the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
Method 1: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings”
The first method is straightforward and requires no additional software. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
2. From the context menu, select “Taskbar settings.”
3. In the “Taskbar” settings window, scroll down to the “Taskbar items” section.
4. Make sure the “File Explorer” option is turned on. If it’s turned off, toggle it on to restore the icon.
Method 2: Run the Taskbar Troubleshooter
If the first method doesn’t work, you can try running the Taskbar Troubleshooter. This built-in Windows tool can help diagnose and fix common issues with the taskbar, including the missing File Explorer icon.
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot.”
3. Scroll down and click on “Additional troubleshooters.”
4. Under “System,” click on “Run the troubleshooter.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Method 3: Restart Windows Explorer
Another method to restore the File Explorer icon is to restart the Windows Explorer process. This can be done through the Task Manager.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the “Processes” tab, find “Windows Explorer” in the list of running processes.
3. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.”
4. Wait for a few seconds, and the File Explorer icon should reappear on your taskbar.
Method 4: Use the System File Checker
If none of the above methods work, you can try using the System File Checker tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files.
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list of options.
2. In the elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
sfc /scannow
“`
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will automatically repair them.
4. Restart your computer and check if the File Explorer icon has been restored.
Conclusion
Restoring the File Explorer icon on your taskbar is a straightforward process, and you can try any of the methods mentioned in this article. By following these steps, you should be able to get your File Explorer icon back on the taskbar and continue using your computer without any issues.