Fix: Windows Key + Number Shows White Box On Taskbar

Have you ever encountered a pesky white selection box appearing on your taskbar when using the Windows key + number shortcut? It can be quite annoying, especially when you're trying to quickly switch between applications. Guys, this issue, often observed in Windows 10 after a fresh install or a series of updates, can disrupt your workflow. But don't worry, we've got you covered! This comprehensive guide will delve into the causes of this problem and provide you with a range of solutions to get your taskbar back to normal. We'll explore everything from simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps, ensuring that you have the knowledge and tools to resolve this issue effectively. Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned Windows user, you'll find valuable insights and practical solutions here.

Understanding the Issue: Why the White Box?

To effectively tackle the white box issue, it's crucial to understand what's causing it in the first place. The Windows key + number shortcut is designed for quick app switching – pressing the Windows key along with a number key (1-9) launches or switches to the application pinned to that position on your taskbar. When a white box appears, it indicates that the system is highlighting or selecting the corresponding taskbar icon, but for some reason, the visual cue isn't displaying correctly or is lingering longer than it should. This can be due to a variety of factors, including graphic glitches, software conflicts, or even minor system bugs. Often, this issue arises after Windows updates, which can sometimes introduce unexpected interactions between different software components. Additionally, third-party applications or customizations to the taskbar might interfere with the normal functioning of this shortcut. Identifying the root cause can be challenging, but by systematically exploring the potential culprits, we can narrow down the possibilities and apply the appropriate fix. Think of it like detective work – we need to gather clues and follow the trail to solve the mystery of the white box!

Common Causes and Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex solutions, let's address some of the common culprits behind the white box issue and try some quick fixes. One of the most frequent causes is a temporary glitch in the Windows shell, which is the graphical user interface that includes the taskbar. Sometimes, a simple restart of Windows Explorer can resolve these glitches. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, locate "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes, right-click it, and select "Restart." This will refresh the taskbar and often clears up minor visual anomalies. Another potential cause is outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. Ensuring that your graphics drivers are up to date is crucial for the smooth functioning of your display. You can update your drivers through Device Manager or by downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Additionally, consider whether you've recently installed any new software or made any system customizations. New applications or changes to system settings can sometimes trigger unexpected behavior. If you suspect a particular program or setting, try temporarily disabling it to see if the white box disappears. These initial troubleshooting steps are like the first line of defense – they often resolve the issue without requiring more advanced interventions. So, before you panic, give these a try!

Solution 1: Restarting Windows Explorer

As mentioned earlier, restarting Windows Explorer is often the first and easiest solution to try when dealing with taskbar issues. Windows Explorer is the process responsible for managing the graphical interface of Windows, including the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer. When it encounters a glitch or a temporary error, it can lead to visual anomalies like the white box. Restarting Windows Explorer effectively refreshes the interface and can often resolve these issues. To restart Windows Explorer, you'll need to open Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to launch Task Manager. Once Task Manager is open, look for "Windows Explorer" in the list of processes. You might need to scroll down to find it. Once you've located "Windows Explorer," right-click on it. A context menu will appear with several options. Select "Restart" from the menu. Your screen might flicker briefly as Windows Explorer restarts. This is normal, so don't be alarmed. After the restart, check if the white box issue has been resolved. Try using the Windows key + number shortcut to switch between applications and see if the white box appears. If the issue is gone, you've successfully resolved the problem! If not, don't worry; we have plenty more solutions to explore.

Solution 2: Updating Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can often be the culprit behind display-related issues, including the white box on the taskbar. Your graphics drivers are the software that allows your operating system to communicate with your graphics card. When these drivers are outdated or have become corrupted, they can cause all sorts of visual problems. To update your graphics drivers, you have a few options. The easiest way is through Device Manager. Press Windows key + X and select "Device Manager" from the menu. In Device Manager, expand the "Display adapters" section. You'll see your graphics card listed there. Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver." You'll be prompted to choose how you want to search for drivers. You can either choose to search automatically for updated drivers, or you can browse your computer for driver software if you've already downloaded the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website. If you choose to search automatically, Windows will look for the latest drivers online and install them for you. Alternatively, you can visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers manually. This is often the best option, as you can be sure you're getting the most up-to-date drivers specifically designed for your card. Once you've updated your drivers, restart your computer and check if the white box issue has been resolved.

Solution 3: Running System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and restores corrupted system files. Corrupted system files can sometimes cause a variety of issues, including the white box problem on the taskbar. Running SFC is a great way to ensure the integrity of your Windows installation. To run SFC, you'll need to open Command Prompt as an administrator. Press the Windows key, type "cmd," right-click on "Command Prompt" in the search results, and select "Run as administrator." This will open an elevated Command Prompt window. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow The SFC tool will begin scanning your system files for errors. This process can take some time, so be patient. The tool will display its progress in the Command Prompt window. If SFC finds any corrupted files, it will attempt to repair them. If it's successful, you'll see a message indicating that corrupted files were found and successfully repaired. If SFC is unable to repair all the corrupted files, it might be necessary to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair the Windows image. Once the SFC scan is complete, restart your computer. This will allow the repaired system files to take effect. After the restart, check if the white box issue has been resolved.

Solution 4: Using the DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is another powerful built-in Windows utility that can be used to repair the Windows image. The Windows image is the foundation of your operating system, and if it becomes corrupted, it can lead to a variety of problems. DISM can be used to repair the Windows image and resolve issues that SFC might not be able to fix. To use the DISM tool, you'll need to open Command Prompt as an administrator, just like with SFC. Press the Windows key, type "cmd," right-click on "Command Prompt" in the search results, and select "Run as administrator." In the Command Prompt window, you'll need to run a couple of DISM commands. First, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth This command will check the health of the Windows image. It won't make any changes, but it will let you know if there are any issues. If DISM finds any problems, you'll need to run a different command to repair the image. Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth This command will attempt to repair the Windows image using Windows Update as a source for the necessary files. This process can take some time, so be patient. The tool will display its progress in the Command Prompt window. Once the DISM repair process is complete, it's a good idea to run the SFC tool again to ensure that all system files are in good condition. After running both DISM and SFC, restart your computer and check if the white box issue has been resolved.

Solution 5: Creating a New User Profile

Sometimes, user profile corruption can cause various Windows issues, including the white box on the taskbar. Your user profile contains your personal settings, files, and preferences. If your user profile becomes corrupted, it can lead to unexpected behavior. Creating a new user profile is a way to test whether the issue is specific to your current profile or a system-wide problem. To create a new user profile, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Click on "Accounts." In the Accounts settings, click on "Family & other users." Under the "Other users" section, click on "Add someone else to this PC." You'll be prompted to enter the new user's information. You can create a local account or use a Microsoft account. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the new user profile. Once the new user profile is created, sign out of your current account and sign in to the new account. Check if the white box issue is present in the new user profile. If the issue is gone, it indicates that your old user profile is likely corrupted. You can then migrate your files and settings from your old profile to the new one. However, be cautious about migrating settings, as the corrupted settings might be the cause of the problem. If the white box issue persists in the new user profile, it suggests that the problem is system-wide and not related to your user profile.

Solution 6: Performing a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if a third-party application or service is causing the white box issue. When you perform a clean boot, you're essentially disabling all non-essential startup programs and services, which can help you isolate the source of the problem. To perform a clean boot, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "msconfig" and press Enter. This will open the System Configuration utility. In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab. Check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services." This will prevent you from accidentally disabling essential Windows services. After hiding Microsoft services, click the "Disable all" button. This will disable all remaining services. Next, go to the "Startup" tab. Click on "Open Task Manager." Task Manager will open with the "Startup" tab selected. Disable all the startup items in the list. To disable an item, right-click on it and select "Disable." Once you've disabled all startup items, close Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window. Click "Apply" and then "OK." You'll be prompted to restart your computer. After the restart, Windows will start in a clean boot environment. Check if the white box issue is still present. If the issue is resolved in clean boot mode, you can then re-enable services and startup programs one by one to identify the culprit. This can be a time-consuming process, but it's an effective way to pinpoint the source of the problem.

Solution 7: Resetting Windows 10

If you've tried all the other solutions and the white box issue persists, resetting Windows 10 might be your last resort. Resetting Windows will reinstall the operating system, giving you a fresh start. You can choose to keep your personal files or remove everything, depending on your preference. However, it's crucial to back up your important files before resetting Windows, as this process can potentially lead to data loss. To reset Windows 10, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app. Click on "Update & Security." In the Update & Security settings, click on "Recovery." Under the "Reset this PC" section, click on the "Get started" button. You'll be prompted to choose an option: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." If you choose "Keep my files," Windows will reinstall itself but keep your personal files intact. If you choose "Remove everything," Windows will reinstall itself and delete all your personal files, apps, and settings. After selecting an option, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. The reset process can take some time, so be patient. Once the reset is complete, Windows will be reinstalled, and you'll need to set up your account and reinstall your applications. Check if the white box issue has been resolved after the reset. If the issue is gone, it indicates that the problem was likely caused by a software conflict or system corruption that was resolved by the reinstallation.

Conclusion: Taming the White Box

The white box issue on the taskbar when using the Windows key + number shortcut can be a frustrating experience. However, by systematically troubleshooting the problem and applying the solutions outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve the issue and get back to a smooth workflow. We've covered a range of solutions, from simple fixes like restarting Windows Explorer to more advanced steps like resetting Windows 10. Remember to start with the easiest solutions first and work your way through the list. Identifying the root cause of the problem is key to applying the appropriate fix. Whether it's a graphics driver issue, a corrupted system file, or a software conflict, understanding the underlying cause will help you prevent the issue from recurring in the future. So, don't let that pesky white box get you down! With a little patience and the right tools, you can tame the white box and enjoy a seamless Windows experience. And remember, if you encounter any other Windows hiccups, there's always a solution to be found. Happy troubleshooting, guys!