Why is the Contextual Task Bar not showing?

All I can say is this issue is the MOST frustrating thing I have ever seen (in Photoshop). In my case, the issue of “the missing Contextual Task Bar” is as unpredictable as the Chicago weather!!! Let me clarify: I’m working with Photoshop v 27.10.0 on an iMac 2020 HD, running Mac OS 26.7 Tahoe. Sometimes the Contextual Task shows up after launching PS………..sometimes, it doesn’t!! I have been troubleshooting this frustrating issue for over a month and NOTHING I’ve tried has shown up as the “key” or “culprit” (In ALL trials, the first thing I do is insure that the Contextual Task Bar is selected under the Window Menu.) When this is confirmed, I have brought various formats; RAW, JPG, PNG, and .PSD to determine if a particular format is affecting the appearance of the CTB. Well, “sometimes” a JPG image will NOT show the CTB………..other times, it does! Going a few steps further, could it be a particular Tool in the Tool Bar that is affecting the appearance of the CTB (such as either a “Select Subject” or “Select Object” Tool being selected. No correlation here either.  Haven’t found any rhyme or reason behind anything I do that could be adversely affecting the appearance of the CTB.  This is the screwiest thing I have ever encountered in the 28 years of working in Photoshop!!!   (and YES, I have reset the “Working Space” and Reset PS Preferences [CMD+Option+Shift} many times in an attempt to get the CTB to appear…….to no avail.) 

So okay you “experts” out there - you tell me what [cursing removed] is making this goofy CTB to appear and DIS-appear!!!

That's quite a small screen.  I wonder if the CTB is outside that screen area.

Do you remember if it is set to be Pined?  It is only visible when relative tool etc is selected, plus a layer is selected.  If it is not pined, select a layer and do something like  make a selection.   It is supposed to return to its defgault position if you reset your workspace, but IME that does not work.

Good luck.

@2Charlie I wonder if it's a slight glitch? Maybe try resetting Photoshop preferences? Quit Photoshop. Hold Command Option Shift while relaunching Photoshop. A message will confirm the prompt to reset preferences. Click OK. This likely will resolves your glitch.