How to fully, FULLY remove an app that is messing with seemingly non-related functions of my PC
Windows 10.
Initial Problem:
Previously I had been running a background app called TaskbarX that basically just made my setup look cool by keeping my app icons centered in the taskbar. This ran fine for many years, but (I believe) a recent windows update made it bug out.
The taskbar would become unresponsive after some amount of minutes if the computer was left idle. Possibly related to the lockdown function: my setup is to never sleep and only turn off the monitor after 30 minutes (and require a PIN). Also, it would disconnect from the internet.
Initial Solution: Reset Windows, Remove Apps, Keep Files
This worked. I slowly reinstalled various programs, which as you know can be a huge pain.
Current Problem: I arrogantly reinstalled TaskbarX and ran into the same issue.
Current Solution: I uninstalled TaskbarX and essentially the same issue is happening still. After some amount of idle time, the internet cuts, PC won't restart by command (will stay on Restarting screen indefinitely), need to hold the power button down. When the PC is turned back on, I get a popup that I need to "choose an app to run this program", TaskbarX.
Current Hope: Truly wipe TaskbarX and all remnants of it from my PC without having to re, re-install windows again.
tl;dr: windows is trying to run a buggy app on startup that I presumably uninstalled. How to I truly wipe this app and all referenced to it?
Thanks for reading all that. You can tell me the only answer is to reinstall windows again and I will be sad but I will do it. But I would love a different answer.
I have tried all of these and don't see anything, and here is my Autoruns:
Posted Jan 2, 2026, 11:49 PM UTC