Many PC users have talked about DesktopWindowXamlSource on their Windows 11 taskbar. While it doesn’t break your workflow, you may feel uncomfortable with such messages on the taskbar during work hours. Read along to learn what DesktopWindowXamlSource means on Windows and the troubleshooting tricks to remove it.
What Is DesktopWindowXamlSource on Windows 11?
DesktopWindowXamlSource is a part of Windows APIs that allows any app to host XAML controls without a desktop app. You may run across such a message when an installed app doesn’t properly implement the API. Although Microsoft fixed the OneDrive-related DesktopWindowXamlSource issue in 2021, many have started facing the same on their PCs.
When users try to close the DesktopWindowXamlSource empty window, the system also turns off OneDrive. Before the error gets out of hand, use the tricks below to make the DesktopWindowXamlSource window disappear from your Windows 11 taskbar.
1. Install Windows Updates
An outdated Windows build may leave you with a DekstopWindowsXamlSource window on the taskbar. Microsoft is working hard to fix glaring issues like these with frequent updates. Here’s how you can install the latest Windows update.
Step 1: Press Windows + I keys to open the Settings menu.
Step 2: Click Windows Update from the sidebar. Download and install pending updates.
If you face issues updating Windows, read our dedicated post to fix the problem.
2. Download Optional Updates
Do you notice DesktopWindowXamlSource on the taskbar right after a major Windows update? Microsoft recommends installing optional updates whenever you run into such problems.
Step 1: Open the Windows Update menu in Settings (check the steps above).
Step 2: Head to Advanced options and select Optional updates.
Step 3: Download and install optional updates from the following menu.
3. Repair Corrupt System Files
Corrupt system files may result in errors like DesktopWindowXamlSource on the taskbar. You can use the Command Prompt to repair bogus system files.
Step 1: Click the search menu on the taskbar and type Command Prompt.
Step 2: Hit Enter.
Step 3: Type the following command and click Enter.
sfc /scannow
If SFC shows an error, use the following commands and hit Enter after each.
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Update OneDrive
Updating OneDrive to the latest version fixed the DesktopWindowXamlSource error for many. It’s worth trying out.
Step 1: Click Windows + R keys to open Run.
Step 2: Type the following command and click OK.
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
Step 3: Paste the following command and hit Enter.
%localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\update
Restart your computer and check if your Windows 11 taskbar still shows the DesktopWindowXamlSource message.
5. Reinstall OneDrive
If the DesktopWindowXamlSource error is due to OneDrive, reinstall the cloud storage service on your PC and try again. First, you need to quit OneDrive on your PC; otherwise, you will receive an error during the uninstallation process.
Step 1: Click the OneDrive icon on the Windows taskbar.
Step 2: Hit the Settings icon at the top and select Quit OneDrive.
Step 3: Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
Step 4: Select Apps from the sidebar. Open Installed Apps.
Step 5: Scroll to OneDrive and click the three-dot menu beside it.
Step 6: Select Uninstall and confirm your decision.
Step 7: Visit OneDrive on the web and download the Windows version on your PC again.
Sign in with your Microsoft account details and see if the DesktopWindowXamlSource window appears on the taskbar.
6. Reset Windows 11 Taskbar
Windows 11 taskbar is a part of the Windows Explorer service on your PC. You can restart the Windows Explorer service from the Task Manager and try again.
Step 1: Right-click on Windows key and open Task Manager.
Step 2: Find Windows Explorer under the Processes menu.
Step 3: Select Windows Explorer and hit Restart task in the top right corner.
Restart your PC, and DesktopWindowXamlSource shouldn’t bother you now.
Enjoy a Smooth Windows 11 Experience
You can always close DesktopWindowXamlSource manually, but it turns off OneDrive too. The tricks above should fix the problem without messing with your OneDrive account.
