After deleting WPS from your computer, you might notice that the Word icon is no longer visible in your system tray or on your desktop. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you frequently use Microsoft Word. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide you with step-by-step solutions to restore the Word icon.
Understanding the Issue
The absence of the Word icon after deleting WPS can be attributed to a few different factors. It could be due to the deletion process not completely removing all traces of WPS, or it might be a result of a conflict between the two applications. Understanding the root cause is the first step towards resolving the problem.
Check for Remaining WPS Files
Before proceeding with any fixes, it's important to ensure that WPS is completely uninstalled from your system. Sometimes, remnants of the application can still be present, causing conflicts with other programs. Use a reliable uninstaller tool to scan for any leftover files or registry entries related to WPS.
Reinstall Microsoft Word
If the issue persists after ensuring that WPS is fully uninstalled, the next step is to reinstall Microsoft Word. This can help rectify any corrupted files or settings that might be causing the icon to disappear. Follow these steps to reinstall Word:
1. Go to the Microsoft Store or your computer's Control Panel.
2. Find Microsoft Word in the list of installed programs.
3. Select Uninstall and follow the prompts to remove the application.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Reinstall Microsoft Word from the Microsoft Store or the official website.
Check for Windows Updates
Outdated operating system files can sometimes cause compatibility issues with applications. Ensure that your Windows is up to date by checking for updates. This can be done by:
1. Clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.\
2. Going to Update & Security and then Windows Update.\
3. Clicking on Check for updates and allowing the system to search for and install any available updates.
Run System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type cmd in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.\
3. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.
Check the Taskbar Settings
It's possible that the Word icon is not missing but simply hidden from view. To check the taskbar settings:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.\
2. Scroll down and click on Use small taskbar buttons.\
3. Make sure that Combine taskbar buttons is unchecked.
Reset Taskbar and Start Menu
If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting the taskbar and Start Menu to their default settings:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.\
2. Scroll down and click on Reset.\
3. Follow the prompts to confirm the reset.
Conclusion
Dealing with the absence of the Word icon after deleting WPS can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be resolved. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to restore the Word icon and continue using Microsoft Word without any issues. Remember to regularly update your system and applications to prevent such problems in the future.
