Minimized icon on taskbar will not reopen

[Jalene3]

If I have an icon open, like Outlook email, and walk away from the computer, it goes "to sleep". The computer will come back up, but I can't get Outlook (or excel or whatever tab I had open) to open back up (maximize). It shows a line under it, and will show the little screen above it, but will not open. What do I need to do so this doesn't happen? 

[Garp_senchau]

@Jalene3, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

It sounds like your computer is having trouble restoring or maximizing apps after it wakes up from sleep mode. Here's what you can try to fix it:

Update Graphics Drivers

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

Expand Display Adapters and right-click your graphics driver.

Select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Adjust Power Settings

Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.

Click on Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.

Then click Change advanced power settings.

Expand Sleep and make sure Hibernate After is set to Never.

Also, check display settings to ensure it’s not causing any interruptions.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

You can try running the built-in Windows troubleshooter for sleep or display issues:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Select Power and run the troubleshooter to see if it finds any issues.

Check Display Settings

Sometimes, if your system is using multiple monitors, it can cause apps to open off-screen after sleep. You can try:

Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Find the app that isn't opening (like Outlook or Excel), right-click it, and choose Restore or Maximize.

If it opens but appears off-screen, use Windows + Shift + Arrow Key to move it to a visible area.

Also, ensure that the apps aren't stacked on top of each other, as one might be open behind another. You can use Alt + Tab to quickly switch between open applications and check.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,