If the network icon is missing in the taskbar on your Windows computer, you can try several troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:
1. Check if the Network Icon is Enabled in Taskbar Settings
- Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
- Scroll down and under the Notification area, click Turn system icons on or off.
- Make sure the Network option is set to On.
2. Restart Windows Explorer
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Scroll down to find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart. This will refresh the taskbar and could bring back the missing network icon.
3. Check for Windows Updates
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Go to Update & Security and click Check for updates.
- If any updates are available, install them and restart your computer.
4. Run the Network Troubleshooter
- Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Check Network Adapter Settings
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section and ensure that there are no warning signs (yellow triangles) next to your network device.
- Right-click on the network adapter and select Update driver to check for any available updates.
6. Enable the Network Icon in Group Policy (if applicable)
This step is useful if you’re using a professional or enterprise version of Windows.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
- Double-click on Hide the network icon and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
7. Perform System File Check (SFC)
Corrupted system files can sometimes cause issues with taskbar icons. To check for and repair these:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator by typing
cmdin the Start menu, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator. - Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - Let the process complete and follow any instructions to repair corrupted files.
8. Check for Malware or Third-Party Software
Malware or third-party applications can sometimes interfere with system icons. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software or use Windows Defender:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
- Click on Quick Scan or Full Scan.
9. Create a New User Profile (if applicable)
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can try creating a new user account to see if the problem is user-specific.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
- Follow the prompts to create a new user, then sign in and check if the network icon appears.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, you might want to consider performing a system restore to a point when the network icon was visible or a full Windows reset if the problem persists.