How to Solve Duplicate Icons in Windows 10 Taskbar and Start Menu Error

Icons are how we identify apps and software that are installed on our computer. They help USA use our point and click devices like mouse and keyboards effectively. They also help companies like Microsoft and Apple build brands. But like-minded they say, overly much of anything throne be a horrid thing. If you are seeing duplicate icons in Windows 10 in Start Menu, Taskbar or desktop, read more.

Learn how to resolve this cut thusly you don't waste time clicking on empty icons operating theater worse, malware and viruses. Let's begin.

1. Update App

If the duplicate icon you are beholding is only for single app, there is something legal injury with the app itself. If you have downloaded it from the Windows Lay in, open information technology and check if there is an update. Otherwise, chew the fat the official site to check for an update. Most apps also have an update feature built appropriate in.

Blue-pencil the twinned icon and see if it comes back. If it does, try uninstalling the app and reinstall it.

Also Read: Windows 10 Notification Center and Customization Options made Easy

2. Pinned Shortcut

If you are seeing double icons in the Taskbar, it is assertable that you have pinned the shortcut of the app instead of the app itself. That's why when you launching the app, you see the same ikon in the Taskbar because Windows thinks there are two separate instances visible.

Remove or Upin wholly the shortcuts and the broadcast both, and so from the Windows Start card, right-hand-click to immobilise the app to the Taskbar. That will pin the actual platform to the Taskbar as an alternative of the shortcut.

Also Read: Windows 10 Apprisal Center and Customization Options made Easy

3. Hidden Shortcuts

We saw in the above example how pinning the cutoff instead of the program OR app itself can cause duplicate picture errors. Sometimes, these icons are hidden from plain view. Open File Explorer and right-click on Quick access to select Options.

Click happening show hidden files, folders, and drives under View tab and redeem to view all hidden shortcuts happening the desktop and elsewhere. Delete totally duplicate icons and repeat stride 3 above.

Preceptor't forget to hide again A you wish run the risk of deleting system files otherwise.

4. Compatibility Mode

If you are using an app that was configured for earlier versions of Windows 10, and using it on the stylish translation, there mightiness be compatibility issues. Because of this, every clip you run the app, Windows thinks its a other app.

Delete each icons from the desktop, Taskbar and Start Menu. Right-click happening the app and select Properties. Let's take the Brave browser as an example.

Low the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility manner for and pick out another Windows version. The variation you choose bequeath ride the app you are stressful to work with. Either talk with past users, get help or try a few options. Don't forget to click Apply and OK when through. Now, create a new cutoff or pin IT to the Start carte du jour or Taskbar and see if the matching icon error persists.

5. Java Apps

If you are using a Java application then you may have visaged this issue before as well. That's because when you establish a Java-based app, Windows will open information technology equally Javaw.exe which means Java for Windows. That makes Windows treat it as a abstracted program, hence creating a new icon or duplicating it.

As of justly now, there is no direct solution to this widely reported problem. However, there is a workaround. Let's say you are using a Java app called XYZ. Sail to the directory where you installed Java and rename Javaw.exe file away to XYZ.exe. Create a crosscut to that file and enroll the parameter as:

C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\Eclipse.exe" -Xmx512m -jar "[Eclipse's Path]\Overshadow.jolt

Right-click on the crosscut you just created and blessed happening screen background, select change icon and choose the XYZ app picture. Today, when you open the app, the ikon will equal not be duplicated in Taskbar or Start card.

Also Read: How to Remove the Taskbar Time?

6. Combine Taskbar Buttons

What happens when you have much one windowpane or instances of the same app lengthwise on your computer? You wish experience multiple icons. For example, a browser. When you unrestricted 2 separate windows of a browser app or else of choosing tabs, you find two icons. You can ask Windows 10 to group similar icons conjointly.

Rightfulness-detent on Taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. Superior Always hide labels pick low-level Combine Taskbar buttons. That will radical mistakable icons without creating multiple icons.

7. Delete from Start Menu

If you are seeing duplicate app or software icons in the Start Card, first, try to delete by right-clicking on it. If that doesn't work, navigate to the below booklet construction and delete the icons from there.

C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

You may wealthy person to unhide hidden folders As we did in point 3 to a higher place. Delete duplicate icon names hither and reboot to tab if you placid ensure duplicate icons in Start Bill of fare.

Also Register: 8 Best Search Tricks of Windows 10 that You Uncomprehensible

8. Clear Tile Cache

We are going to run a batch command to clear tile cache that might Be responsible for duplicate icons in Protrude Menu. Wide-eyed Notepad and simulate and spread the downstairs command. Salvage it as All files (.) and name IT 'ClearTileCache.bat' without quotes.

@echo off taskkill /f /im explorer.exe taskkill /f /im shellexperiencehost.exe timeout /t 3 /NOBREAK > nul del %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\TempState\* /q timeout /t 2 /NOBREAK > nul start explorer @echo connected

Now, double-click connected the register to flow it and let information technology do its thing. Reboot if asked.

Note: Microsoft support has come skyward with an extensive guide with screenshots that shares a to a greater extent modern version of this step. I would recommend you to seek the to a higher place method acting and if information technology doesn't work, try this one instead.

9. New User News report

Create a new substance abuser calculate, either local guest user or administrator and see if still see duplicate icons. If non, delete the old user after giving requirement permissions to the new user. Always take one active Decision maker bill, otherwise, you will be locked out.

To create a new user account, open Settings, and select Family & other users.

Select Add person else to this PC and follow on-screen instructions to create a new explanation. You can practice a new email ID or simply create unmatchable without an ID or number.

Likewise Read: Flooded with Overly Many Duplicate Files happening PC? Get Rid of Them with These Duplicate File Finder for Windows

Remove Duplicate Icons in Windows 10

Depending on where you are seeing duplicate icons in Windows 10 (Start carte, Taskbar, desktop, one Beaver State more of the above solutions should get worked. If you launch another way, please do share it with us in the comments at a lower place. Patc the error is generally harmless in nature, it can be dangerous if you have a malware or virus connected the machine. In this case, an antivirus or Malware scanner can help.

Disclosure: Mashtips is supported by its audience. As an Amazon Associate I realize from qualifying purchases.