Fix This: Taskbar not Responding in Windows 8, 8.1

Even though Microsoft are actively trying to improve the quality of their operating systems by constantly releasing new updates and fixes, some of the issues fall through the cracks and only get resolved after a log time. One issue which has been reported by users is a system problem which causes the Taskbar to become unresponsive in Windows 8.

Image Credit: gawkerassets

Users who have experienced this issue have reported that the Taskbar and sometimes other Windows components such as PC Settings or the new Start screen or Charms bar  become unresponsive and they cannot change any settings or access any features. The problem usually presents itself when certain applications are launched, both in desktop and in Modern UI mode.

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How to fix Taskbar not Responding in Windows 8

These errors usually occur because of infected or corrupted files whiting the system which means that they’re really hard to fix. Of course, as Windows 8 users, you have a few options at your disposal, and we’ll show you how you can fix the Taskbar not responding issue.

First of all, make sure that you have system restore disk handy, If your computer has serious issues and you cannot create a system restore disk, know that you can create this drive (either on a USB drive or on a DVD ) on a different computer and use it on yours. Also, if you have a bootable disk with Windows 8, that can work also. For more information on how to create such a disk, please refer to this Microsoft help article.

Now that you have your Windows 8 recovery disk, you are all set to try and fix this issue. Here are the methods you can use in this regard:

1. System Restore – This is great way to go about many of your issues, if you don’t have any very important files on your hard drive and you are in the habit of crating restore points. If so, just try to revert to a previous version of Windows 8.

2. System Refresh – As an alternative to restore, a system refresh leaves all your files intact but resets all your Windows 8 settings to their default values.

3. System Recovery – More advanced troubleshooting options are available when you use your recovery disk to start up Windows 8 in recovery mode. From here you can easily refresh or repair your system in the hopes that this will fix your issue with the Taskbar.

4. System Restart – This feature leaves you with a clean Windows 8 operating system. It deletes all the files you have stored on your C:/ drive as well as resetting all the features to their factory settings.

5. Reinstall Windows 8 – If everything else fails, your only option is to back up all your data and reinstall your Windows 8 operating system and get a fresh start.

Read Also: How to Disable Taskbar Transparency in Windows 8.1