Fix Windows 11 Flashing Screen & No Taskbar

Problem: Windows 11 Flashing Screen and No Taskbar

The causes of the Windows 11 flashing screen and no taskbar issue are various. Normally, it can happen because the following points:

▎Corrupted System Files: If key system files become corrupted, the operating system may not load the user interface correctly, leading to a flashing screen and a missing taskbar.

▎Faulty or Incompatible Drivers: Graphics drivers or other essential drivers may be outdated or incompatible with Windows 11, causing display issues like a flashing screen or black screen.

▎Conflicting Software: Certain third-party applications, particularly those that modify the system's appearance or behavior (like custom shell replacements or antivirus programs) can interfere with the normal operation of the Windows UI, leading to this issue.

▎Pending Windows Updates: Sometimes, incomplete or pending updates can cause instability in the system, which might manifest as a flashing screen or missing taskbar.

▎Windows Explorer Issues: Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) manages the taskbar, start menu, and desktop icons. If Windows Explorer fails to start or crashes repeatedly, it can result in a flashing screen and the absence of the taskbar.

How to fix Windows 11 flashing screen no taskbar

Fix 1: Run SFC and DISM

The screen in Windows 11 keeps refreshing, and the taskbar isn't there. This could be because system files are missing or damaged. System File Checker (SFC) can fix system files, though. You need to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool first on Windows 11 before you can run the System File Checker.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time to open the Security Options window. Then select Task Manager to open it.

Step 2: Click Run new task from the top menu, then you can see the Create new task interface.

Step 3: Type cmd into the box next to Open, then check the Create this task with administrator privileges option. Next, click the OK button. This can run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 4: Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth in Command Prompt and press Enter. This command can use Windows Update to provide the files that are required to fix the corruptions.

Step 5: If your Windows Update client is already broken, you can fix it by using a copy of Windows that is already installed and running. One more way to get the files is to use a Windows side-by-side folder from a network share or a portable drive. Use the following command to do this:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Step 6: Type sfc /scannow in Command Prompt and press Enter to run it.

The sfc /scannow tool will start to look through all protected system files. If it finds any damaged files, it will replace them with a cached copy that is stored in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. In this case, the word %WinDir% stands for the Windows system folder, such as C:\Windows.

Fix 2: Run CHKDSK

If you run CHKDSK on a volume, it will look for logical and physical mistakes in the file system and file system metadata. Your system might be broken, which is why your Windows 11 screen keeps flickering and the taskbar is missing. You can fix it with this command. You can use the /f /r command to look for mistakes on the hard drive and fix them if you find any.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the same time, then select Task Manager from the Security Options window to open it.

Step 2: Click Run new task from the top menu, then type cmd in the pop-up Create new task interface and check then Create this task with administrator privileges option.

Step 3: Click OK to run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 4: Type chkdsk :c /f /r in Command Prompt and press Enter.

Fix 3: Perform a System Restore

Case 1. Apply System Restore from Settings

If you still can use Settings, you can use these steps to perform a system restore:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to System > About.

Step 3: Click Advanced system settings from the line of Related links. This will open System Properties.

Step 4: Switch to the System Protection tab.

Step 5: Click the System Restore button and follow the on-screen instruction to restore your system to a previous point.

Case 2. Apply System Restore from Advanced startup

Step 1: If your device is on, turn it off. It will then start up when you press the Power button. Press and hold the Power button for a few seconds when you see the Windows logo to turn off the device for good. After doing this two more times, you will see the screen for Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Step 2: Click the Advanced options button to continue.

Step 3: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

Step 4: You will see the System Restore interface. Select the target system restore point.

Step 5: Click Next and follow the on-screen guides to apply a system restore.

Fix 4: Uninstall the latest Windows update

Like the person in Part 1, if you install a Windows 11 update and then your desktop keeps refreshing and the taskbar is gone, that should be the reason. To fix the problem, you can remove that update.

If you can open the Settings app, you can use this guide to uninstall a Windows 11 update from your computer:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

Step 3: Find the newly installed update, then click the Uninstall button next to it.

Step 4: Click the Uninstall button to confirm the operation.

Step 5: Restart your computer and see if this method works.

You can get to Advanced startup and then choose Uninstall updates to get rid of the Windows 11 update if you can't use the keyboard function to open Settings. After enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen:

Click the Advanced options button to continue.

Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.

Fix 5: Back to the previous version of Windows 11

You can't use the above way to remove the update if the Windows 11 flashing screen and no taskbar problem starts after installing a feature update. If the feature update was installed in the last 10 days, you can roll back to the version of Windows 11 that was loaded before.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to System > Recovery.

Step 3: Click the Go back button and follow the on-screen instructions to make your system go back to the previous version.

If the Settings app is not available, you can use do the same job from Advanced startup. In the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Go back to the previous build or Go back to the previous version

Bonus tips: Recover data from Windows 11 PC

Upon resolving the Windows 11 screen flicker issue, it was discovered that certain files were absent. If your files have been backed up, they can be restored directly from the backup. If not, you may utilize a complimentary file recovery tool, such as AOMEI FastRecovery, to retrieve your data.

AOMEI FastRecovery is a potent tool that is specifically engineered to simplify the process of Windows data recovery and restore functionality to your Windows 11 device. AOMEI FastRecovery facilitates the recovery process by providing a comprehensive set of features and an intuitive interface, enabling users to effortlessly resolve issues such as a flashing screen without a taskbar.

✔ User-friendly: In just three simple actions, retrieve lost or deleted data from Windows.

✔ Recover over 200 file formats: Additionally, it is capable of recovering deleted Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, PDF, PPTX, JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV, MP3, CDA, 7Z, ZIP, MSG, EML, and other file types.

✔ Customizable options: It enables you to preview, filter, and retrieve your desired files during the scanning process.

✔ Support various data loss scenarios: Including virus infection, formatted disks, and lost or deleted partitions. Additionally, it can conduct computer crash recovery.

✔ Compatible with: All versions of Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 and all Windows Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Ending

For many users, the "fix Windows 11 flashing screen no taskbar" challenge may appear to be a daunting task; however, it is entirely feasible with the appropriate tools and a small amount of patience. By adhering to the solutions provided in this guide, you will be well on your way to a Windows 11 experience that is both stable and flicker-free. After resolving the Windows 11 flickering screen without taskbar issue, AOMEI FastRecovery enables you to effortlessly retrieve deleted files. Always bear in mind that the most effective approach to troubleshooting is to take it one step at a time.