Solved Windows Update left no desktop or taskbar

dimestorecandy · Dec 3, 2024

Windows 11 build 22631.4460 .

About a month ago, a Windows Update ran that left my screen black. That's it - just black. I could still access the the Task Manager via hot keys and could run programs such as my browser. But nothing could bring back any desktop nor the start button or its taskbar.

I did a system restore and brought everything back to normal. I then removed the OpenShell program I had been using to make my taskbar look retro. So, I began using Windows 11 the way it's normally supposed to look. Now, about a month later, another update ran. Again, at the end it displayed only a black screen. I did another system restore, but this time it made no difference. I am now operating with no desktop, start button, or taskbar.

I am able to type this because I can evoke the task manager and run Firefox.

What is wrong? What will fix this?

Jacee · Dec 3, 2024

Hello @dimestorecandy, is this a new laptop or were you updating from Windows10 to Windows 11? What update gave you this problem?

dimestorecandy · Dec 4, 2024

had msi laptop 2 years been at 11 all along i think. this was just a patch

dimestorecandy · Dec 4, 2024

is there a path or command for desktop or taskbar?

glasskuter · Dec 4, 2024

If you use any third party app that alters the GUI, uninstall or update it.

Megahertz · Dec 4, 2024

I had same problem in my wife's computer and on mine. It was Explorer that was the main issue.
With Task Manager I was able to open a CMD window as administrator and then I ran:
- chkdsk c: /f
It will say your disk is in use and ask if you want to schedule to next start = yes
Restart

Back to Windows, open a CMD window as administrator and type:
sfc /scannow

then run

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
and
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

dimestorecandy · Dec 4, 2024

That was a good idea, but nothing has changed. I see all the preWindows stuff load then just a black screen. As before, I can run apps out of the task manager, but still no desktop, start button, or taskbar.

Does anyone know commands to reach some of those thing? since the Task Manager has become my GUI.

FreeBooter · Dec 4, 2024

Are you facing a black screen with only a cursor visible on your Windows computer? This video offers a detailed walkthrough of the troubleshooting methods you can employ to fix this common issue. We will explore several potential causes and provide step-by-step instructions to help you restore your screen functionality. Join me as i tackle this problem and get your system back to normal.

OAT · Dec 4, 2024

dimestorecandy said:
That was a good idea, but nothing has changed. I see all the preWindows stuff load then just a black screen. As before, I can run apps out of the task manager, but still no desktop, start button, or taskbar.

Does anyone know commands to reach some of those thing? since the Task Manager has become my GUI.

You should launch a command prompt from Task Manager in order to log in as Administrator:

From task Manager> Run > New Task> CMD
In terminal enter :

Code:

net user administrator /active: yes

Initiate a log out Crtl+Alt+Enter , select switch user.
Once logged in as Administrator, see if you get a desktop GUI.

Megahertz · Dec 4, 2024

dimestorecandy said:
That was a good idea, but nothing has changed. I see all the preWindows stuff load then just a black screen. As before, I can run apps out of the task manager, but still no desktop, start button, or taskbar.

Does anyone know commands to reach some of those thing? since the Task Manager has become my GUI.

Run explorer.exe

dimestorecandy · Dec 4, 2024

ok, thank you all.

I tried a lot, even telling non-windows apps not to run. nothing seemed to bring the gui back.

then, because I was doing a lot of things anyway i guess, a message popped up saying 'explorer patcher' was failing. i think that's something i loaded long ago to let me move the taskbar around easily like in the olden days. i thought OpenShell was my only taskbar mod, but no this was too.

i uninstalled it and voila! everything came back. thanks again for your time contemplating what was causing all this.

Peace.

112022 · Dec 4, 2024

dimestorecandy said:
ok, thank you all.

I tried a lot, even telling non-windows apps not to run. nothing seemed to bring the gui back.

then, because I was doing a lot of things anyway i guess, a message popped up saying 'explorer patcher' was failing. i think that's something i loaded long ago to let me move the taskbar around easily like in the olden days. i thought OpenShell was my only taskbar mod, but no this was too.

i uninstalled it and voila! everything came back. thanks again for your time contemplating what was causing all this.

Peace.

Glad that you are happy, but for others having this problem, or for you to try, see also Black screen upon login after KB5035853 install - I had the same issue!

Megahertz · Dec 4, 2024

There is a new Explorer Pacher

Release 22621.4317.67.1 · valinet/ExplorerPatcher

CautionMicrosoft and other major antivirus vendors have flagged ExplorerPatcher as "malware". This is likely due to Microsoft's hatred against ExplorerPatcher, not because it contains a virus or su...

github.com

Solved Windows Update left no desktop or taskbar

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