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Fix: Program Is Running but Not Showing on Screen

Try these easy methods to resolve the problem

5 min. read

Updated onMarch 22, 2024

updated onMarch 22, 2024

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You may have noticed that a specific program is running but not showing on the screen in Windows. This article has the solution for this issue and other relevant information.

It instantly becomes visible when you open an application on Windows 11 or any other version. However, sometimes, it may appear in the taskbar and theTask Managerbut not on the screen.

If you are getting precisely the same problem, keep in mind that you are not alone. A lot of users have already been reporting this problem on various forums.

Why is a program running in the background but not appearing on screen?

If you see that the program is active in the taskbar as well as the task manager but is not visible on screen, it may be because of the following things:

How can I fix the program running but not showing on the screen?

We have found the most accurate solutions to get rid of this problem. But, before that, we like to do the following things:

If you still encounter the same problem after doing the above things, go through these below-mentioned troubleshooting methods to fix the program running but not showing on the screen:

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Now, try to open the problematic app and see if it helps.

2. Maximize from the taskbar

It should bring the problematic app window to the screen. This method works great when a program opens in the taskbar but not on the screen of Windows 11.

3. Move the program manually

One thing to remember is that the app icon must represent that the app is active but not appearing. Otherwise, the options mentioned above will not appear.

Don’t get confused with any other pinned app icons. If necessary, you also can learnhow to fix pinned apps not showing in Windows 11.

4. Tweak display settings

Users who have multiple displays or have recently disconnected the second display may get this problem. They may see a program running but not visible in Windows 11.

It is because Windows may have remembered the X and Y coordinates of the app window, which is not accurate with the current situation. This method will help you in this type of situation.

5. Re-install the program

6. Clean boot

If a clean boot solves the problem, there is a problematic third-party service. Identify it and keep it disabled or remove the related software.

7. Fix the registry

From now, you should no longer face Windows 11 apps open but not visible on the screen. However, if the problem persists, you can considerresetting Windowsor doing aclean installation.

This problem can be related to another issue. So, if necessary, learnhow to solve Windows 11 apps not opening.

This article has explained what you should do when you face a program running but not showing on-screen or similar problems. If you have any questions or opinions, write them in the comment box.

Fix: Program Is Running but Not Showing on Screen#

Why is a program running in the background but not appearing on screen?#

How can I fix the program running but not showing on the screen?#

1. Restart Windows Explorer#

2. Maximize from the taskbar#

3. Move the program manually#

4. Tweak display settings#

5. Re-install the program#

6. Clean boot#

7. Fix the registry#