How to Fix Missing ‘Show Desktop’ Shortcut?

The ‘Show Desktop’ shortcut button might be missing due to a result of a temporary glitch of the OS modules. Moreover, a group policy setting or a script used by the user to remove the button may also result in the issue at hand.

The issue arises when the ‘Show Desktop’ shortcut is not displayed on the right of the system’s clock (usually, at the right end of the Taskbar).

Before proceeding to get the Show Desktop icon on your Taskbar in Windows 10, make sure your system is not in the Tablet Mode or a group policy is causing the issue. Also, if used a script to remove the Show Desktop button, then it will be a good idea to use the same script to revert the display of the Show Desktop shortcut on the Taskbar.

Solution 1: Restart the Windows Explorer Process in the Task Manager

The glitch that is preventing the display of the Show Desktop shortcut on the Taskbar may get cleared if the Windows Explorer process (that is housing the UI of your system) is restarted.

1. Launch the Power User menu (by simultaneously pressing Windows + X keys) and then choose the Task Manager.

   

2. Now, in the Processes tab, right-click on the process of Windows Explorer, and in the mini-menu shown, choose Restart.

   

3. Then let the system’s display stabilize and then check if the Show Desktop issue is resolved.

Solution 2: Change the Taskbar Location on the Screen

The missing ‘Show Desktop’ shortcut issue could be a result of a temporary glitch of the OS modules which may get cleared if we change the Taskbar location on the screen (e.g., from the bottom of the screen to the right of the screen) and then reverting it to the initial position (e.g., bottom of the screen).

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and in the menu shown, choose Taskbar Settings.

   

2. Now, expand the dropdown of the ‘Taskbar Location on Screen‘ and select a different option that is currently selected (e.g., Right).

   

3. Then let the display stabilize and then revert the Taskbar location to the previous setting (e.g., Bottom) to check if the Show Desktop button is displayed on the Taskbar.

   

If the issue persists, then check if performing a repair install of the Windows of your system solves the problem.