Some weeks ago, I noticed an odd problem with my taskbar.
While using my laptop at home, I use an exterior monitor to extend my desktop, and usually set the monitor as my primary. Occasionally, I would notice that my open apps would appear to be greyed-out (and therefore un-clickable) on my secondary screen. All the pinned apps would be full colour, but would only respond to clicking as if I was starting a new version of the app (e.g. a new browser window rather than switching to the existing one).
It appears as though a second "ghost" taskbar was over top the main one, and only on one screen. This ghost taskbar would block any attempt to click on the taskbar underneath. Unlocking the taskbar and moving it, for example, to the side, would confirm this as the ghost taskbar would drag and snap to the edge, leaving the normal taskbar at the bottom of the (same) screen.
The ghost taskbar would disappear (or perhaps merely move behind the main taskbar) if the taskbar is swapped with the primary screen (causing the tray to move over).
A reload of Windows Explorer via Task Manager seems to be a temporary fix, as is restarting the computer. However, this issue may appear multiple times per session, and within a short time of any reload/restart. This also does not seem to occur when using only the laptop screen.
I do not run any desktop customization software, and have triple-checked for any Windows, Microsoft, or driver updates. I am moderately competent in doing repairs to the computer so long as I have reasonably detailed instructions on how to do the fix.
I have scoured the internet and have come across nothing that describes my particular issue. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Screenshots of the phenominon are available if more clarification is required.
While using my laptop at home, I use an exterior monitor to extend my desktop, and usually set the monitor as my primary. Occasionally, I would notice that my open apps would appear to be greyed-out (and therefore un-clickable) on my secondary screen. All the pinned apps would be full colour, but would only respond to clicking as if I was starting a new version of the app (e.g. a new browser window rather than switching to the existing one).
It appears as though a second "ghost" taskbar was over top the main one, and only on one screen. This ghost taskbar would block any attempt to click on the taskbar underneath. Unlocking the taskbar and moving it, for example, to the side, would confirm this as the ghost taskbar would drag and snap to the edge, leaving the normal taskbar at the bottom of the (same) screen.
The ghost taskbar would disappear (or perhaps merely move behind the main taskbar) if the taskbar is swapped with the primary screen (causing the tray to move over).
A reload of Windows Explorer via Task Manager seems to be a temporary fix, as is restarting the computer. However, this issue may appear multiple times per session, and within a short time of any reload/restart. This also does not seem to occur when using only the laptop screen.
I do not run any desktop customization software, and have triple-checked for any Windows, Microsoft, or driver updates. I am moderately competent in doing repairs to the computer so long as I have reasonably detailed instructions on how to do the fix.
I have scoured the internet and have come across nothing that describes my particular issue. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Screenshots of the phenominon are available if more clarification is required.
My Computer
System One
-
- OS
- Windows 8.1 Pro
- Computer type
- Laptop
- System Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo Y580
- CPU
- Core i7-3630QM (2.40GHz)
- Memory
- 8GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- Intel HD 4000, NVDIA GeForce GTX 660M (2GB)
- Monitor(s) Displays
- Laptop display, External Monitor
- Screen Resolution
- Both 1920 x 1080
