Taskbar Disappearing on Windows 8.1

Question

It seems that the taskbar disappears permanently whenever I use certain Metro apps on Windows 8.1. That is, when I exit the app, the taskbar is gone from the screen that the Metro app appeared on (yet, it always stays on my other monitor). The only way I am able to resolve to the issue seems to be by restarting entirely. Needless to say, this is a real pain.

Is there any way I can prevent this (short of not using Windows Store apps)? If not, is there a better way to fix this problem once the taskbar disappears (better than restarting)?

Answer 1

Restart explorer instead of restarting computer and see if it works.

1. Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Right click Windows Explorer, restart.

This will close your active explorer windows though.

Answer 2

I found this solution for Taskbar and icons that disappear:

1. Go to Task Manager
2. Right click on Explorer, Properties
3. Go to Security tab, click Advanced
4. Change ownership to Everyone. Check all permissions boxes.

Answer 3

For me it turned out that the antivirus system has adopted explorer.exe as a threat???!!! and it was placed in the folder of blocked list and quarantined items. The removal from there solves the problem.