Do not install KB5034765, you might not be able to access the taskbar

While Windows update is intended to bring new features, improve performance, and enhance security, it often introduces instability. This time, the February’24 update, KB5034765, causes the taskbar to disappear when turning on the PC.

For some, the Taskbar took longer to load at boot. Also, there were a couple of reports of Taskbar icons going missing after installing the KB5034204 update.

So, it appears that both KB5034765 and KB5034204, released recently, are causing problems. After a user pointed it out in a comment on Reddit, many others shared that they had encountered a similar problem.

In another Reddit thread, a user reported that the Taskbar is disappearing for the last 3 days, and the conventional solutions, i.e., DISM commands, SFC scan, and OS update, fail to work.

Workarounds for the issue

• Disconnect any controller or peripheral: If you have a gaming controller or any similar peripheral plugged in, disconnect it before turning on the PC.
• Re-run Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager > select Windows Explorer > click End task > click Run new task > type explorer.exe in the text field > click OK.
• Uninstall the buggy update: Press Windows + I to open Settings > go to Windows Update > click Update history > choose Uninstall updates at the bottom > click Uninstall next to KB5034765 and KB5034204 > confirm the change.

As of now, there’s no permanent fix but just workarounds to temporarily resolve the problem. To completely eliminate the bug, you will have to wait for Microsoft to release another update with a patch.

Besides, KB5034765 is causing several problems on Windows 11, including performance issues and breaking the system’s UI. However, it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. A few confirmed that the update didn’t trigger any problems on the PC!

Did the KB5034765 update affect you? Let us know in the comments section.