Windows 8 can't open programs pinned to taskbar

frying_pan_cat

frying_pan_cat

frying_pan_cat

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I'm having a problem with windows 8 where I can't click on programs pinned to the taskbar to open them. For example file explorer is pinned to the taskbar but if I click it it doesn't open. If I right click and select one of my recently viewed folders it does though. It's not all programs pinned to the taskbar though, out of the 5 I have there it's only steam and file explorer that seem to be affected
 
I haven't tried them in safe mode no. I don't think I've installed anything that might cause the problem recently, the only things I've installed recently are a couple of games on steam.

I'll try it in safe mode and running as administrator when I get home tonight
 
I read something about this and that setting your resolution to more then 1024×768 (if it isnt already), Making sure UAC isnt disabled and checking video drivers are upto date are some fixes. another fix was if you use Windows Live as default login change it to a local account (create new windows user).


Sorry if you have tried this!
 
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unpin everything. then launch the apps from the start screen and pin them while they're running. now close the apps and see if they launch ok.
 
Adam_101 said:
I read something about this and that setting your resolution to more then 1024×768 (if it isnt already), Making sure UAC isnt disabled and checking video drivers are upto date are some fixes. another fix was if you use Windows Live as default login change it to a local account (create new windows user).


Sorry if you have tried this!
Click to expand...

The resolution is above that already (1366x768) and UAC isn't disabled. How do I tell if my login is a Windows Live or local one? Not sure which I'm using

marc2003 said:
unpin everything. then launch the apps from the start screen and pin them while they're running. now close the apps and see if they launch ok.
Click to expand...

I've just tried unpinning them and repining but that doesn't help
 
No your not being stupid?

Out of the 4 programs i have pinned to the taskbar, only 1 program & that being outlook gives the option “Run as Administrator” by hitting the Shift key & right clicking on a icon on the taskbar, that’s on W8.1 though.
 
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Did you recently connect the laptop to an external monitor? If you connected the laptop to an external display the application could be opening on a secondary display which isn't connected.

When you click on the shortcut to launch the application is the shortcut in the taskbar highlighted to show its open/running? If it the press the Windows key + left/right cursor key.
 
Time Out said:
No your not being stupid?

Out of the 4 programs i have pinned to the taskbar, only 1 program & that being outlook gives the option “Run as Administrator” by hitting the Shift key & right clicking on a icon on the taskbar, that’s on W8.1 though.
Click to expand...

I have Chrome, Winamp, PShop, Dropbox, Alt Binz pinned to dock and i can Shift + Right click to run all of them as Admin. Thats on Win8.1
 
Mujja said:
Did you recently connect the laptop to an external monitor? If you connected the laptop to an external display the application could be opening on a secondary display which isn't connected.

When you click on the shortcut to launch the application is the shortcut in the taskbar highlighted to show its open/running? If it the press the Windows key + left/right cursor key.
Click to expand...

No I haven't connected to any external monitors. It's not highlighted at all
 
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