Reset Taskbar in Windows 11 to default settings

Restoring the Taskbar in Windows 11 to its default settings can be crucial for troubleshooting or reverting to a standard configuration. Various methods are available if you’re experiencing issues with your Taskbar or wish to undo customizations. This article will guide you through efficient approaches to reset the taskbar in Windows 11 to default settings.

Reset the Taskbar in Windows 11 to default settings

Resetting the Taskbar in Windows 11 to its default settings becomes necessary for several reasons:

1. If you have personalized the Taskbar and want to revert to its original layout and settings, a reset is a straightforward way to undo any modifications.
2. In scenarios where specific Taskbar features or functionalities are not working as expected, a reset can be a troubleshooting step to address potential conflicts or errors.
3. Resetting the Taskbar provides a clean slate, ensuring a fresh start with the default configuration and potentially improving overall system performance and stability.

Here are two straightforward steps that will assist you in resetting the Taskbar to default settings in Windows 11:

1. Using a Script
2. Reset Explorer

Method 1: Using a Script

The provided script is a batch file (.bat) designed to reset the Taskbar settings by clearing relevant registry entries, terminating associated processes, deleting temporary files, and restarting Windows Explorer.

Follow the below steps to run the script:

1. Open the Notepad and copy the following script:

REG DELETE HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Streams\Desktop /F 
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe 
taskkill /f /im shellexperiencehost.exe
del %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\TempState\* /q
start explorer.exe

2. Paste the copied script into Notepad.

3. Save the file with a .bat extension. For example, you can name it “ResetTaskbar.bat“.

4. Close any open applications or programs.

5. Double-click on the saved “ResetTaskbar.bat” file.

6. The script will execute, removing taskbar toolbars, clearing the cache, and restarting explorer.exe.

Running this script will reset your taskbar settings to their default state, and you may lose any customizations you have made to the taskbar.

Method 2: Restarting Explorer

If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows 11 Taskbar and want to reset it to its default settings, restarting Windows Explorer is a simple and effective method.

Follow these steps to initiate the process:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager“.

2. Under the Processes tab, select “Windows Explorer“.

3. Now, right-click on Windows Explorer and click on the “Restart” option.

That’s It!