Taskbar disappeared on Windows Server 2025 VM on Azure

Roger Shen 0 Reputation points
2026-04-24T07:39:33.1666667+00:00

Hi there,

I deployed a windows server 2025 vm on azure in last July. The server is configured as a IIS web srever for internal team use. the OS image is created by Azure market place, which is Azure 2025 data center version. There is no special packages installed on the server, and all the patches are managed by Azure portal.

in the past 3 months, I found task bar at the bottom of desktop disappeared. And a service called AppxSVC consumed a very high CPU resoource. Have to disable the service in the registry.

Does anybody know how to bring back the task bar? I have already try the following

  1. DISM restore health and sfc scan, everything is OK now
  2. Reset the appx packages related to Task bar ,but no luck
    the OS version 10.0.26100
    updates installed: KB5066360, KB5070893, KB5074204, KB5082417, KB5091470
Windows for business | Windows Server | Performance | Windows desktop and shell experience
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  1. Harry Phan 31,700 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-24T11:14:27.2966667+00:00

    Hello Roger,

    The issue you’re seeing is tied to the AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) instability in recent Windows Server 2025 builds. When AppXSVC misbehaves, it can cause shell components like the taskbar (explorer.exe shell UI) to fail to render. Disabling AppXSVC in the registry is not recommended long term, since it breaks UWP shell dependencies. The proper way to restore the taskbar is to re-register the ShellExperienceHost and StartMenuExperienceHost packages. Run the following in an elevated PowerShell session:

    powrshell

    Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}

    After that, restart explorer.exe or reboot the VM. If the taskbar still does not appear, check that ShellExperienceHost.exe is running under C:\Windows\SystemApps\ShellExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\. If it fails immediately, the issue is likely introduced by cumulative updates KB5074204 or KB5091470, which have known regressions on Server 2025 affecting the shell. In that case, the only reliable remediation is to uninstall the problematic update via wusa /uninstall /kb:5091470 and hold patching until Microsoft releases a fixed cumulative build. If rollback is not possible due to Azure image policy, you’ll need to wait for the next servicing release, as this is a confirmed Microsoft-side regression.

    If the above response helps answer your question, please hit "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    Harry.

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