There is a blank "program" (no icon) that appears every so often for reasons I can't determine. If I right-click and check settings for it, the link is:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ApplicationFrameHost.exe
Why is that system executable creating this blank dock? Can I prevent it from doing so?
Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues.
What version of Windows are you running ?
AzDudeStardock Community Assistant
Win 10 1903 (18362.1802). By the way, when updating to Win 10 2004 last month it failed at 88 percent twice, and second rollback created an issue that required Recovery (removal of Windows installation and reinstall from Recovery drive) . I've reinstalled all the apps at considerable time and effort, and Microsoft actually told me 2004 is not compatible with all computers. I don't doubt that and am not updating to that version again on this two-year-old top-of-the-line Dell XPS desktop. This newly recovered 1903 actually has none of the annoying issues that previous 1903 did — probably a result of an update (or more) to it.
The issue with blank program with Object Dock is new to me and only started on this reinstall of Win 10.
Object Dock is Not Supported fro Windows 10 ( any version )
so you will still find some features do work but some may not .
So sorry but no help for your issue ...
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Well, support isn't what I'm seeking per se but some insight into how and why Object Dock would have ApplicationFrameHost.exe as a docked program when it hasn't been added to the dock via settings. If OD could be kept from loading this EXE the problem wouldn't occur. I can remove it, obviously, by dragging it off the dock, but that's not what I'd prefer. Perhaps your coders have some insight regarding this? Thanks.
It appears this blank program may be related to Microsoft Store, which seems to start on its own. If so, I need to determine what it takes to keep that from occuring.
Probably a registry hack. I think the Store is embedded into the Win OS as 'the way of the future'.
I can recall seeing blank programs in OD years ago...and not in Win 10, either. Then something happened and they just went away...
I think it's Gremlins...
Yes, "and then something happened..." is not unknown in Windows. I might check within the registry, but I'm not going to lose sleep over this.
This will happen on Windows 10. The Store will cause one, mail may well, news etc. Basically any universal app which is allowed to start background tasks.
So I a copied the folders for the only two Microsoft Store apps I actually downloaded from the store and then deleted the installed versions in Windows 10 Menu. I could not find a way to delete them from within Start 10, but this can be done in the Windows 10 Menu at the top of Start 10 left column. I also turned off the Microsoft Store in Settings. A more aggressive fix is to uninstall or disable in registry.
One update. I still was getting random blank program on dock that, when clicked, when to Settings. On a lark, I pinned it to dock and added a suitable icon. Even quicker access to Settings when needed. Fixed the last blank program issue...I think...after trying it for a few days.
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