Fix: Windows Explorer Or File Explorer Icon Missing From Taskbar In Windows 10/11

With default settings, the Windows 10 and 11 taskbar displays Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Store, and File Explorer or Windows Explorer icons. Some OEMs add a few more programs to the taskbar.

The File Explorer icon on the taskbar is helpful to open the same right from the taskbar. Most PC users prefer this method to launch File Explorer/Windows Explorer, although several other ways are available.

As said before, the File Explorer icon is pinned to the taskbar with default installation settings, and it does not go away unless you right-click on it and then click the Unpin from taskbar option.

If you have accidentally removed the File Explorer or Windows Explorer icon from the Windows 10/11 taskbar, here are the two easy methods to add it back to the taskbar.

Here is how to add the missing File Explorer icon back to the taskbar in Windows 10 and 11.

Method 1 of 3

Restore the missing File Explorer or Windows Explorer icon back to Windows 10/11 taskbar

Step 1: Open File Explorer using the search or using the Windows logo + E hotkey.

Step 2: Once the File Explorer is open and its icon appears on the taskbar, right-click on it and then click the Pin to taskbar option. That’s it! From now onwards, the File Explorer icon will continue to appear on the taskbar even if it’s closed.

Method 2 of 3

Add the File Explorer or Windows Explorer icon to Windows 10/11 taskbar via the Start menu

Step 1: In the Start or taskbar search, search for File Explorer.

Step 2: Right-click on the File Explorer’s entry in the search result and then click the Pin to taskbar option to add the File Explorer icon to the taskbar.

The File Explorer icon, once pinned, will not disappear from the taskbar unless you right-click on it and then click the Unpin from taskbar option.

Method 3 of 3

Use search or hotkey to open File Explorer in Windows 10/11

If you do not know, there are multiple ways to open File Explorer in Windows 10/11. You can simply type File Explorer in the taskbar search bar and then press the Enter key to open it.

And if you like to use the keyboard shortcut, simultaneously press the Windows logo and E keys (Windows logo + E) on the keyboard to open File Explorer.