Apps running on desktop keep minimizing & taskbar missing

While using Internet Explorer in desktop mode I can browse for a few seconds and then the program disappears. It may reappear in a few minutes or sometime not at all. It is most annoying. Also my taskbar has disappeared and won't pop up when I put the cursor at the bottom of the screen. The computer did a windows update a few weeks ago and the problem seems to have started since the update.

This sounds like your Explorer (Windows Explorer) is turning off and restarting intermittently...I don't know what to suggest other than getting any new important update that comes along.

patfield said:

While using Internet Explorer in desktop mode I can browse for a few seconds and then the program disappears. It may reappear in a few minutes or sometime not at all. It is most annoying. Also my taskbar has disappeared and won't pop up when I put the cursor at the bottom of the screen. The computer did a windows update a few weeks ago and the problem seems to have started since the update.

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Any system restore points made before updates went in ? Check Windows update history get dates when most recent updates went in. What to do when Internet Explorer isn't working - Windows Help

Check for updates to your video card drivers. Try computer manufacturer's site first. Or find out card in system go to that manufacturer's site for updates also.

Try to run System File checker keyboard Win + x select Command Prompt (admin)

copy and paste sfc /scannow

Same command prompt copy paste

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Any setting changes in taskbar properties to Auto hide it ?

Is Taskbar always missing now ?

Press “Alt” + “Ctrl” + “Del” keys on the keyboard and select “Task Manager” to open it.

First in Details tab, do you see explorer.exe listed ?


On the “Task Manager” window, click on “File” menu and select “Run new task”.

Type “explorer.exe” in the “Open” box.

Click on “OK” and check if you are able to find the taskbar now.

You can even try opposite of end task of explorer.exe in task manager Detail tab, then Run new Task, type explorer.exe
May even try rebuild icon cache
Icon Cache - Rebuild - Windows 7 Help Forums

Also could be it was resized if not hidden
See solution here https://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=592

Could also being done from another program, possibly an Anti-Virus minimizing application and IE