Multiple Window Pop Up from Task bar

Robert W 0 Reputation points
2026-08-27T20:40:23.9+00:00

When using the shortcuts on the task bar with the pointer of the mouse multiple windows will open. For example, notepad, if i use my mouse point to hover over it, it will automatically starting opening 5-10 if not more windows. I have checked the mouse settings and task bar settings but cannot find what may be causing this.

Windows for home | Other | Desktop, Start, and personalization
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-27T20:40:38.03+00:00

    Try these Windows troubleshooting steps in this order:

    1. Restart Windows Explorer
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
      • On the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
      • Right-click it and select Restart.
      • This can clear temporary taskbar and hover-preview glitches.
    2. Clear File Explorer history
      • In the taskbar search box, type File Explorer options and open it.
      • On the General tab, select Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
      • Select Apply, then OK.
    3. Check whether hover-activation is enabled
      • Open Control Panel.
      • Set View by to Large icons.
      • Open Ease of Access.
      • Select Make the mouse easier to use.
      • Make sure Activate a window by hovering the mouse over it is disabled.
      • If this setting is on, moving the pointer over items can trigger unwanted window behavior.
    4. Check taskbar auto-hide behavior
      • Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
      • Expand Taskbar behaviors.
      • If Automatically hide the taskbar is enabled, turn it off and test again.
      • This will not directly fix app launching, but it can rule out hover-related taskbar behavior.
    5. Repair Windows system files
      • Run SFC and DISM to repair corrupted system files.
      • Restart Windows after the scans complete.

    If the issue happens specifically when hovering over a pinned app such as Notepad, the most relevant first steps are restarting Windows Explorer and disabling hover activation in Ease of Access.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ian-T 12,055 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-28T01:44:49.7+00:00

    Hi @Robert W

    First, please kindly check out the AI answer

    Since simply hovering should not open Notepad or create new windows, this may be caused by unintended or repeated mouse input rather than the taskbar itself.

    Please disconnect the mouse and test using another mouse or the laptop touchpad. If the problem stops, the original mouse button may be sticking or failing. Also try a different USB port and avoid using a USB hub.

    If you have mouse software installed, such as Logitech Options, Razer Synapse, or similar, temporarily close or uninstall it and test again. You can also start Windows in Safe Mode to check whether a background application is causing the repeated selections.

    Microsoft recommends testing the mouse on another computer and updating its driver through Windows Update. If it behaves the same way on another computer, the mouse may need replacement. Mouse and keyboard problems in Windows

    I hope this helps

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