How to Fix Taskbar Showing Duplicated Icons in Windows 8 and 10

If you have noticed duplicate icons appearing on your taskbar in Windows 8 or 10, you are not alone. This is a common issue that can make your desktop look cluttered and confusing.

Duplicated taskbar icons usually happen due to software glitches or configuration errors. Fortunately, fixing this problem is often straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and effective methods to resolve the issue of duplicated taskbar icons. Each step is explained in detail to help even beginners follow along with ease.

By the end of this article, your taskbar should return to normal, providing a clean and organized workspace.

Quick Note

Before you start troubleshooting, please make sure:

Your Windows 8 or 10 system is up to date with the latest updates installed. Sometimes, bugs causing duplicated icons are fixed in updates.
You have restarted your computer at least once. A simple reboot can fix many temporary glitches.
You are logged in with an account that has administrator privileges, as some steps require admin access.
You have closed or minimized any open apps to avoid interference during the process.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer manages your taskbar and desktop. Restarting it can often clear minor glitches causing duplicated icons.

Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. If the taskbar is unresponsive, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
In Task Manager, find Windows Explorer in the list under the Processes tab.
Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
The screen may flicker briefly as Explorer restarts. Check if the duplicated icons issue is resolved.

This step works because restarting Explorer forces Windows to reload the taskbar and its icons, often clearing display errors.

Step 2: Unpin and Repin Affected Icons

Sometimes, the duplicated icons come from pinned apps having multiple shortcuts. Removing and re-adding them can fix this.

Locate the duplicated icons on your taskbar.
Right-click each duplicated icon and select Unpin from taskbar.
Go to the Start Menu or search for the app you want to pin.
Right-click the app and choose Pin to taskbar to add a fresh shortcut.

This refreshes the link between the taskbar and the app, preventing the system from showing multiple icons.

Step 3: Check Taskbar Settings

Windows allows you to customize how taskbar icons group and display. Incorrect settings can cause duplicates to appear.

Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Scroll down to the section named Combine taskbar buttons.
Make sure it is set to either Always, hide labels or When taskbar is full. Avoid Never as it can cause multiple icons.
Close the settings window and check the taskbar again.

Proper grouping reduces clutter and stops Windows from showing multiple icons for the same app.

Step 4: Clear Icon Cache

The icon cache stores shortcut images to help Windows load them quickly. Corruption in this cache can lead to duplicate icons.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
Navigate to the folder MicrosoftWindowsExplorer.
Find files named iconcache_*.db (there may be multiple).
Delete all these icon cache files.
Restart your computer to rebuild the icon cache automatically.

Deleting these files forces Windows to recreate the icon database, fixing inconsistencies that cause duplicated icons.

Alternative Method: Use System File Checker

If the issue persists, it could be due to corrupted system files. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can repair these files.

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This scan may take some time. It checks and repairs missing or damaged Windows system files that can cause taskbar problems.

FAQs

Why do duplicated icons appear only sometimes?

Duplicated icons often appear after updates, crashes, or when apps create multiple shortcuts. Temporary glitches in Windows Explorer can also cause this.

Can third-party apps cause duplicated taskbar icons?

Yes, some third-party customization or launcher apps may interfere with the taskbar and cause icon duplication.

Will uninstalling and reinstalling the app help?

Sometimes, yes. If a specific app consistently shows duplicated icons, reinstalling it may fix corrupt shortcut files.

Is it safe to delete icon cache files?

Yes, deleting icon cache files is safe. Windows will rebuild the cache automatically after a restart.

Does this problem occur on Windows 7 or 11?

While duplicated icons are more common on Windows 8 and 10, they can also occur on other versions but may require different troubleshooting steps.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods solve the duplicated icons issue, consider these final options:

Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Testing on a new account can confirm if this is the case.
Perform a system restore: Roll back Windows to a date before the problem started.
Check Microsoft’s official support: Visit the Microsoft Support website for advanced help and updates.

Conclusion

Duplicated taskbar icons in Windows 8 and 10 can be annoying but are usually easy to fix. Starting with simple steps like restarting Windows Explorer and unpinning icons often resolves the problem quickly.

Adjusting taskbar settings and clearing the icon cache further ensures your taskbar remains clean and organized. Running system scans can fix deeper issues if needed.

By following this guide carefully, you should restore your taskbar to its normal state and enjoy a clutter-free Windows experience.