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How to Fix Windows 11 Taskbar Icons Not Switching Between Apps Quickly

Windows 11 has introduced a fresh look and feel, but sometimes the taskbar icons don’t switch between apps as quickly as expected. This can make multitasking slow and frustrating. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue.

In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through easy methods to improve your taskbar’s responsiveness. No technical knowledge is needed—just follow along carefully. By the end, you should enjoy smoother app switching on your Windows 11 taskbar.

Let’s begin by checking a few quick things before diving into fixes. These initial checks can often solve the problem immediately.

Read on to learn how to get your taskbar icons working quickly again.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart clears temporary glitches affecting the taskbar.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Outdated system files can cause performance issues. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
  • Close Background Apps: Too many running apps can slow your PC. Close apps you’re not using to free up system resources.
  • Verify Taskbar Settings: Make sure taskbar customization isn’t causing delays. Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings to review options.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer manages the taskbar. Restarting it can fix many taskbar-related issues.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Scroll down and find Windows Explorer in the list.
  3. Right-click it and select Restart.

This process refreshes the taskbar and desktop. Usually, this fixes slow icon switching immediately.

Step 2: Clear Icon Cache

Windows stores icons in a cache to load them quickly, but this cache can become corrupted. Clearing it forces Windows to rebuild the cache.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
  3. Open the MicrosoftWindowsExplorer folder.
  4. Delete files starting with iconcache (e.g., iconcache_*.db).
  5. Restart your PC to rebuild the icon cache.

Clearing the icon cache helps the system display taskbar icons more quickly and correctly.

Step 3: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Windows 11 includes animations and effects that look nice but can slow down the taskbar. You can adjust these settings to prioritize speed.

  1. Press Windows + S, type Performance, and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
  2. In the Performance Options window, choose Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck options like Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing.
  3. Click Apply then OK.

Reducing visual effects helps Windows respond faster, improving app switching speed on the taskbar.

Step 4: Check for Problematic Startup Apps

Some apps that launch at startup can interfere with the taskbar’s performance.

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Review the list and disable apps with high startup impact by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the taskbar icons switch faster.

Disabling unnecessary startup apps frees system resources, allowing Windows to manage the taskbar more efficiently.

Alternative Method: Use Windows PowerShell to Reset Taskbar

If the above steps don’t work, you can reset the taskbar using a PowerShell command. This restores default settings.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This command reinstalls essential Windows apps and resets taskbar components. After it finishes, restart your PC.

FAQs

Why do my taskbar icons take so long to switch between apps?

This can happen due to system performance issues, corrupted icon cache, too many background processes, or Windows Explorer glitches.

Will updating Windows fix taskbar icon problems?

Yes. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve taskbar issues.

Is it safe to delete the icon cache files?

Yes, deleting icon cache files is safe. Windows will rebuild them automatically after a reboot.

Can third-party apps cause taskbar delays?

Yes, some apps can interfere with taskbar responsiveness, especially those running at startup.

What if restarting Windows Explorer doesn’t fix the issue?

Try clearing the icon cache or adjusting visual effects next. These steps address deeper causes.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and the taskbar icons still don’t switch quickly, consider performing a system file check:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It will automatically fix corrupted system files.

You can also visit the official Microsoft support page or community forums for additional help:

As a last resort, resetting Windows 11 or performing a fresh installation can resolve persistent issues, but always back up your important files first.

Conclusion

Slow switching between taskbar icons on Windows 11 can interrupt your workflow, but it’s usually easy to fix. Start with simple fixes like restarting Windows Explorer and checking for updates. Clearing the icon cache and adjusting visual effects often help improve speed as well.

Remember to manage startup apps wisely to keep your system running smoothly. If needed, advanced steps like resetting the taskbar or running system scans can restore normal function.

By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a responsive and efficient taskbar experience on your Windows 11 PC.

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