Settings Icon Missing in Taskbar

Hi Livid_Tech,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A!

I'm sorry to hear that your Settings icon is missing from the taskbar, with many other icons missing from the imageres.dll. I understand how frustrating it can be when such a core app behaves inconsistently, especially after trying several advanced repair steps.

To assist you further, can you clarify your Windows version and if the problem started recently? Knowing that will help tailor the troubleshooting steps more precisely. As Windows 11 allows you to pin the Settings app, I will assume for now that you are using Windows 10 and provide suggestions based on that, if that's okay with you?

1 - Re-register the Settings App

• Open Windows PowerShell > Run as administrator > Copy and paste the following command:

Get-AppxPackage windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {

    Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"

}

• Enter to re-link the Settings app with the system interface > restart your PC.

2 - Restart with Clean Boot:

Sometimes other applications are the ones messing with your Settings. If you can't pinpoint the exact problem, trying a clean boot can help rule out software conflicts.

• Find msconfig > disable all non-Microsoft startup items/services > restart PC.
• See if the problem persists. If not, it's likely that one of your downloaded apps was the cause.
• You may need to manually disable/enable one item after another to identify the offender, then consider removing or disabling it.

Disclaimer: A "clean boot" starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. These steps might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step so that it will help you get back on track.

3 - Reset your access:

• Press Win + R > type in regedit > Search following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows

• Right click Permissions > advanced > owner > edit > click on your username and then apply.

Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

4 - Check Group Policy (if possible)

• Run gpedit.msc > Navigate to:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

• Review settings that may block system app visibility or pinning

5 - Rebuild the Icon Cache:

To fix the missing icons from %systemRoot%\System32\imageres.dll you may try the solutions mentioned here Rebuild Icon Cache in Windows 10 | Tutorials

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

I hope this information solves your problem. Please let me know if you need further help in performing any of the steps. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Warm Regards,

Lychee-MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist

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Do you want to pin the Windows 11 Settings gear cog to the taskbar? I've personalized my Start Menu to show shortcuts at the bottom. I can right-click the Settings gear > More > Pin to taskbar.

Hi Livid_Tech, this is Kimberly, an independent advisor. I'm glad to assist you today.

The Settings app might not be functioning correctly due to issues with its registration. Re-registering it can help restore its functionality. Follow these steps:

Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | ForEach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}

Restart your computer.

This process re-registers the Settings app, which may resolve the missing icon issue.

Should you have more questions, please let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly

WhooPs,.! Are you still accepting fixes..? A shorten 1 here : on the Search bar on either -- Wins 10 or 11 _ Type .. Settings & make clicks on these options :: Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders in the Settings app > Toggle the "Settings option" To on. ‐-‐------,------- if found it on > Turn to off >> up Next > Turn on again. Restart the Pc ,. Do you see. The Start icon on taskbar now. Yes-No

Hi Livid_Tech,

It has been a while, and I think everyone here (myself included) wants to see how things are going with this issue. Have you had a chance to check the replies? Any update would be appreciated.

If the answer helped your situation in some ways, maybe consider marking it as accepted to assist others with the same problem!

Lychee-MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist