[Updated 2024] How to Fix the Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working

Since the inception of Windows, the Start Menu has been an essential component of the operating system. It not only aids in locating the list of installed applications but also facilitates restarting and shutting down the PC. However, occasionally, the Start Menu can malfunction in Windows 11. Consequently, no matter how many times you press the Windows key or attempt to click on it using the mouse, it refuses to open.

This can be frustrating and negatively affect users' productivity. This article will delve into the typical reasons behind the Windows 11 Start Menu not functioning and present 8 effective solutions to resolve the problem.

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[In Advance] Recover Data Before Your Windows 11 Situation Worsens

通常，这样的问题可能会导致操作系统故障。因此，用户应在问题发生前备份数据。但即使是最完善的备份，故障也不会事先通知，可能导致数据丢失。

Users can install the Data Recovery Wizard, a potent data recovery software that aids in retrieving lost data. It boasts an intuitive user interface accessible to all and employs an efficient algorithm to swiftly recover files that other tools may not be able to.

注意: Data Recovery Wizard 工具还可以在文件系统无法启动时，创建一个可引导的 WinPE CD/DVD。

You can download the tool "Data Recovery Wizard" from their button to recover permanently deleted files before proceeding with any fixes for the Start Menu issue. Following these 3 steps, you can retrieve your data on Windows 11/10/8/7.

Important: To maximize the chances of data recovery, install the data recovery tool on a different disk from the one that you lost the files from.

Step 1. Launch the tools Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 computer. Select the disk partition or storage location where you lost data and click "Scan".

Step 2. The recovery software will begin scanning the disk to find all lost and deleted files. Upon completion of the scan, click "Filter" > "Type" to specify the types of lost files you wish to recover.

Step 3. Preview and restore lost Windows files. You can double-click to preview the scanned files. Then, select the target data and click the "Recover" button to save them to another safe location on your PC or an external storage device.

Why Isn't the Windows 11 Start Menu Working?

If you're encountering the issue where the Windows 11 Start Menu is not functioning properly, there could be various reasons for this. Here are some reported issues from users on public forums.

• Search Index issue: When the Windows Start menu loads, it also displays apps and files. If the search index is damaged, the loading process may take longer than normal, and occasionally, it might become stuck.
• System file corruptions: All aspects of Windows are managed by system files and services. Any corruption in these files, particularly those associated with the Windows user interface, can lead to this problem.
• ⏫Windows Update issue: While Windows updates typically resolve issues, they can sometimes cause problems like Windows updates not functioning. If the issue occurred after a recent update, you have identified the likely cause.
• Third-party software conflicts: Certain third-party software can conflict with Windows and create issues with the Start Menu, especially those that modify the Windows appearance and feel.
• Antivirus software interference: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the functioning of Windows 11, leading to problems with the Start Menu.

如何解决Windows 11开始菜单无法正常工作的问题

Before attempting to fix the non-functional Start Menu in Windows 11, watch this video first. It offers additional information regarding the issue of the Start Menu not opening in Windows 11.

• 00:21 - Restart Windows Explorer
• 00:50 - Restart Windows Search Service
• 01:50 - Disable Recently Opened Apps
• 02:33 - Troubleshoot the Start Menu

Here are 8 solutions to fix the Windows 11 Start Menu:

1. Fix 1. Restart Windows
2. Fix 2. Use SFC and DISM Tools
3. Fix 3. Check and Install Windows Updates
4. Fix 4. Restart Windows Explorer Process
5. Fix 5. Use PowerShell to Repair the Start Menu
6. Fix 6. Perform a System Restore
7. Fix 7. Reset Windows 11
8. Fix 8. Restart Windows Background Services

Fix 1. Restart Windows

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Restarting your Windows 11 device can fix numerous issues, including problems with the Start Menu. To restart your device, click on the "Start" button, then select "Power", and finally choose "Restart".

If you're curious about how resetting a PC helps, it's straightforward. When you shut down the system, all processes are terminated, and any issue causing the Start menu to malfunction will also be stopped.

Fix 2: Utilize SFC and DISM Tools

The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) commands can repair corrupted system files that might be causing issues with the Start Menu.

You can run this tool using Windows Terminal or Command Prompt with administrator privileges. However, the scan will take place after the PC has started, as you'll be scanning the C Drive, where the operating system is installed. Here's the SFC scannow command:

sfc /scannow This command translates to: System File Checker with the /scannow option

The following tool, Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), can repair issues with certain core files of the operating system by replacing them with functional copies from a Windows folder or an ISO image. Here's the command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 3: Check and Install Windows Updates

Installing the latest Windows updates can address numerous issues concerning the Start Menu. To check for updates, click on the Start button, then click on the Settings icon, proceed to Windows Update, and finally, click on Check for updates.

Fix 4: Restart the Windows Explorer Process

Restarting the Windows Explorer process can fix issues with the Start Menu. To accomplish this, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. In the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer, right-click on it, and select "Restart."

Fix 5: Use PowerShell to Repair the Start Menu

PowerShell is a command-line utility that enables users to manage their system more effectively. It can also be utilized to resolve issues with the Start Menu in Windows 11. The following steps can be taken to reinstall a portion of the Start Menu and rectify the problem.

Right-click on the Start Menu, choose Windows Terminal, and then execute the following command.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | ForEach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Once the command has completed, close the PowerShell window and restart your computer.

Fix 6: Perform a System Restore

System Restore is an integrated feature in Windows that allows you to revert your computer back to a previous state, including registry settings, system files, and installed programs. If you've recently installed software that has caused the Start menu to malfunction, performing a System Restore could resolve the problem. Here's how to do it in Windows 11:

Step 1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. To launch the System Restore Wizard, type rstrui and press the Enter key.

Step 3. While going through the process, please choose a date when the Start menu was working correctly, meaning there were no issues with it.

Step 4. Click the Next button and proceed to initiate the system restore process.

Step 5. Wait for the restoration process to finish, and then restart your computer.

Fix 7: Reset Windows 11

If none of the previous solutions worked, resetting Windows might be your last option. This will reinstall Windows 11 and erase all your personal files, so make sure to back up any important data beforehand. Here's how to reset Windows 11:

Step 1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I.

Step 2. Navigate to System > Recovery. This section包含了所有与高级故障排除相关的内容。

Step 3. Click on the "Reset PC" button next to the "Reset this PC" option, and then click on "Get Started".

Step 4. The Reset PC wizard lets you choose whether to back up your personal files or remove them. The latter option is useful if you don't plan to use the PC for a long time. In our case, select the former option.

Step 5. Click "Reset" to start the reset process.

Step 6. Wait for the reset process to finish, and then set up Windows 11 as if it's a new installation.

Fix 8: Restart Windows Background Services

Windows runs background services while applications are in use. If the associated services are not functioning properly, the Windows 11 Start Menu might cease to work. To rectify this issue, we need to terminate the program and then restart it.

Step 1. Launch the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

Step 2. Switch to the Details tab, and locate StartMenuExperienceHost.exe or START.

Step 3. Right-click on it and select "End task".

Step 4. It should launch automatically, but if it doesn't, click on "File" then "New Task" and run the program by manually typing the same name and pressing the Enter button.

Final Thoughts

It's impossible for anyone to use Windows effectively without a functioning Start menu. It's an essential component of the operating system, and when it stops working, it can be extremely frustrating. This article has outlined several methods to resolve issues with the non-functional Start Menu in Windows 11. If you've attempted all these solutions and are still encountering problems, it might indicate a more substantial issue, such as a hardware problem.

That said, we always advise users to have professional data recovery software on hand. Tools like Data Recovery Wizard are among the best solutions in such cases, capable of assisting you in retrieving lost or deleted files from damaged drives and other data loss scenarios.

"Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working" FAQs

Now that you're familiar with most of the issues causing the Windows 11 Start Menu problem, here are some common questions surrounding this issue.

**1. How do I get the Start menu back in Windows 11?**

The simplest solution to fix the issue is to restart your PC. If that doesn't resolve the problem, you can attempt to restart it into a functioning state and then run the System File Checker. However, if none of these options work, you'll need to reset Windows 11 or reinstall the operating system.

**2. How do I fix the unresponsive Start and Taskbar in Windows 11?**

When the services or programs associated with the Start Menu and Taskbar become unresponsive, you can resolve this issue promptly by opening the Task Manager and subsequently restarting the File Explorer.

3. Why is my startup screen frozen on Windows 11?

The screen freezing issue is typically caused by a driver problem. Frequently, following a Windows update or driver update, the startup screen may become frozen if there is an incompatibility between any of these components.

**4. Why can't I click on the Taskbar in Windows 11?**

The taskbar frequently becomes unresponsive due to an issue with the Windows Explorer service. Restarting Windows Explorer typically resolves the problem; however, if that doesn't work, the issue may be caused by a recent Windows update. Uninstalling any newly installed updates can assist in addressing the issue.