Are you troubled by applications failing to expand from the taskbar in Windows 10? Do you know how to resolve it? If you're unsure, you've come to the right place. To assist you in solving the problem, MiniTool Software has compiled several proven effective solutions. We hope you'll find a suitable method here.

When you open multiple applications on your Windows 10 device, you can switch between them and expand your chosen application by clicking its small icon on the taskbar. However, in rare instances, you might discover that the application refuses to expand from the taskbar.

While this isn't a common issue, it can be quite frustrating when it occurs. To aid you in resolving the problem, we've gathered some effective strategies and outlined them in this article. Try each one in sequence until your issue is resolved.

What Should You Do If You Can’t Expand Windows?

1. Scan your computer for viruses and malware
2. Choose PC screen only
3. Arrange windows in a cascading pattern
4. Disable Tablet Mode
5. Perform a clean boot
6. Run an SFC Scan in Safe Mode

Solution 1: Scan Your Computer for Viruses and Malware

If your application remains minimized on the taskbar in Windows 10 even after repeated clicks, the first thing you should consider is whether your computer has been infected by viruses or malware.

To eliminate this possibility, you can use a professional virus scanner to scan your computer and remove any detected viruses or malware. You can try the Microsoft Safety Scanner. Alternatively, you can use third-party antivirus software.

If the results indicate that there are no viruses or malware present, you will need to explore other methods to address the issue.

Solution 2: Select PC Screen Only

This method works when you are using dual monitors in Windows 10. The application failing to expand from the taskbar can occur when only one monitor is connected, yet the application is running on the other monitor that you cannot see.

Correcting this error is straightforward. Simply press the Windows key and the P key simultaneously, then choose PC screen only or Computer only from the pop-up interface on the right side of the screen.

Solution 3: Arrange Windows in a Cascading Pattern

You can also arrange windows in a cascading manner to fix the issue of minimizing windows not reopening on the taskbar in Windows 10. This solution may not work in every scenario, but it’s worth a try.

Simply right-click the taskbar and select Cascade windows. Following this, all the open applications displayed on the taskbar will appear arranged in a cascading order.

Solution 4: Disable Tablet Mode

If Tablet Mode is enabled on your computer, it can easily lead to the issue of applications not expanding from the taskbar. You need to disable Tablet Mode to see if the application can be expanded as usual.

Simply click the Notification icon (located at the far right of the taskbar) and then click Tablet mode to turn it off.

Solution 5: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot runs your Windows computer with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. In this situation, you can determine whether the issue is caused by a program running on your computer.

After performing a clean boot, you can enable the suspected programs one by one and observe when the issue reoccurs. This helps identify which program is causing the problem. Then, you can either remove it or use an alternative to prevent the issue.

Solution 6: Run an SFC Scan in Safe Mode

If you still cannot expand windows on your Windows 10 computer, you should consider whether there are corrupted or missing system files. You can run an SFC scan in Safe Mode.

1. Boot your Windows into Safe Mode.
2. Use Windows search to find CMD, right-click the first result, and then click Run as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow in Command Prompt and press Enter to initiate the scan.
4. Restart your computer normally.

After completing these steps, check if the issue has been resolved.

Other Things You Can Try

Here are some simple actions you can attempt when you cannot expand windows on your Windows 10 computer.

1. Press Shift Ctrl and then right-click the application icon on the taskbar. Next, select Restore or Maximize from the pop-up menu to see if you can expand the application.

2. Refresh the desktop to give it a try.

3. Press Win M and then press Win Shift M keys to minimize and maximize all windows on the taskbar.

4. Press Win Up/Down arrow key to see if it helps.

5. Press Alt Space to see if there is a pop-up menu with the Maximize option enabled. If yes, click it to maximize the window. If this option is grayed out, do not use any option in the menu.

6. Use Task Manager to forcibly end all tasks and then restart the application.

These are the solutions to fix applications failing to expand from the taskbar. We hope they prove useful to you.

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