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Startup Apps Not Appearing in Task Manager: How to Fix

In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of startup apps not appearing in Task Manager. The Task Manager beholds an important yet underrated Startup tab wherein you could get hold of all the apps that are currently running in the background. Likewise, you could also view the impact that it has on the boot-up of the OS, open its file location, or bring up the Properties dialog box.

Moreover, you could even disable the startup apps right from that section itself. However, not many users are able to make full use of these features. Many users have voiced their concern that the startup apps are not appearing in the Task Manager on their Windows 11 PC. If you are also in the same boat, then this guide will make you aware of various methods to rectify this issue. Follow along.

How to Fix Startup Apps Not Appearing in Task Manager

startup apps not appearing in Task Manager

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.

FIX 1: Restart PC

Before moving on to any of the advanced fixes, your first course of action should be to restart your PC. This is because this might just be just a UI glitch and could easily be rectified via just a normal reboot. So restart your PC and then check if it fixes the issue of startup apps not appearing in Task Manager.

startup apps not appearing in Task Manager

FIX 2: Restart Windows Explorer

The Task Manager processes are linked with the Windows Explorer. So if there are any issues with the latter, then its repercussions would be faced by the former as well. Therefore, you should consider restarting the Windows Explorer so that its underlying processes start off with a fresh instance from scratch. Here’s how it could be done-

  1. Bring up the Task Manager using Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut keys.
  2. Then go to the Processes tab, select Windows Explorer, and hit Restart.startup apps not appearing in Task Manager
  3. After that, go to the Details tab, select explorer.exe, and click End Task.
  4. Check if it fixes the issue of startup apps not appearing in Task Manager.

FIX 3: Use SFC and DISM Commands

System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management are two command-line utility tools that scan for corrupt Windows files and then replace them with their working counterpart. The major difference between the two is whereas the SFC replaces the corrupt files with the working ones from the cached directory on your PC, DISM does so by downloading the working files from the online Microsoft servers. And as of now, we would be making use of both these tools to fix the underlying issue.

  1. Head over to the Start Menu, search Command Prompt, and launch it as an administrator.
  2. Then copy-paste the below command to open the SFC Tool:
    sfc /scannow

    startup apps not appearing in Task Manager

  3. Once the SFC Scanning is complete, it’s time to use the DISM Tool. So copy-paste the below command:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    startup apps not appearing in Task Manager

  4. Once DISM finishes the scanning, it is recommended to reboot your PC.
  5. Check if it fixes the issue of startup apps not appearing in Task Manager.

FIX 4: Create a Startup Folder

The issue could also happen if the Startup folder is missing from its rightful directory. In such instances, you should create a new startup folder and then test out the results.

  1. Bring up the File Explorer via Windows+E shortcut keys.
  2. Then copy-paste the below location in its address bar-
    %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  3. Now right-click in an empty location and select New > Folder.
  4. Name it Startup. Then restart your PC for the changes to take place.startup apps not appearing in Task Manager
  5. Check if it fixes the startup apps not appearing issue in Task Manager.

FIX 5: Use System Restore

If none of the aforementioned methods spelled out success, then you should consider restoring your system to an earlier point during which it was free from this issue. Here’s how it could be done-

  1. To begin with, open the Settings page via the Windows+I shortcut keys.
  2. Then go to the System tab from the left menu bar, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on About.
  3. After that, click on the System Protection option present on the Related Links tab.
  4. This shall launch the System Properties dialog box. Go to the System Protection tab and click on System Restore.
    startup apps not appearing in Task Manager
  5. Windows will now bring up the backup under the Recommended Restore section. This is the backup that it finds most suitable according to your PC’s current condition.
  6. If you are satisfied with it, enable the Recommended Restore option and hit Next.
  7. However, if you wish to select any other custom backup, then select Chose a Different Restore point and click Next.
  8. Now select the desired restore point and hit Next.
    startup apps not appearing in Task Manager
  9. Windows will now bring up the finalized screen showing all your selections. You may click on the Scan for Affected program option and get a list of all the programs that would be uninstalled/re-installed after this restore.
    startup apps not appearing in Task Manager
  10. If everything is as per your requirement, hit the Finish button and wait for the restore to complete.
  11. Once done, your PC will automatically boot to that system restore point, with the underlying bug being resolved.

That’s it. These were the five different methods that shall help you fix the startup apps not appearing issue in Task Manager on your Windows 11 PC. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.


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