Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working? Here’s the Fix

A typical problem with Windows 11 is when the Start menu does not work properly. The causes range from simple issues like when the system is unnecessarily stopping to more complicated issues such as corrupted system files. 

There are cases when you click the Start Menu button, the Start Menu will sometimes freeze and become unresponsive, and other times it will not open at all. In this guide, we’ll go over some ways to fix windows 11 start menu not working. So, stay tuned as we get started.

Possible Ways on How to Fix Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working

1. Restart Windows Explorer

The Windows Explorer service includes the Taskbar, Start menu, and Action Center. When you have problems with the Taskbar or Start menu in Windows 11, the first thing you should do is restart the Windows Explorer service and try again. Follow the steps below to do so;

• Open the Task Manager menu by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab.
• Close Task Manager by clicking the Restart option at the bottom.
• After that, try entering the Start menu once more to check if it works properly.

2. Restart Start Menu Services

When you switch on your system, the Start menu services automatically start functioning in the background.  If there are problems with background services and processes, the Start menu service must be restarted immediately. To proceed, follow the steps below:

• Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Make your way to the Details tab.
• From the menu, select StartMenuExperienceHost.exe.
• Then, at the bottom, select End task by clicking on it.
• Restart your computer using the Alt + F4 keys (because you can’t use the typical approach because your Start menu isn’t working) and see if the Start menu appears.

3. Eliminate Third-Party Start menu Apps

Most users often install third-party task managers and Start menu applications to give their Windows desktop an aesthetic facelift. While they may assist you in changing the appearance of the Start menu, they may compromise the service’s basic functionality. Such apps must be identified and removed from the PC. To proceed, follow the steps below:

• Use the Windows + I keys to open the Windows Settings app.
• Go to the Apps section of the menu.
• Apps and features can be chosen.
• Find such apps in the list and choose them using the three-dot menu next to them.
• You’re done once you’ve selected Uninstall and uninstall apps from Windows 11.

4. Rebuild Search Index

The Start menu has a universal search menu. Microsoft stores your search history to provide more relevant and timely search results. If the search database is corrupted, the Start menu functionalities may be affected. So, you’ll need to rebuild the search index on your system. Follow the steps below to proceed;

• Open the Run menu by pressing Windows + R.
• Control /name Microsoft is the command to use.
• At the bottom, select IndexingOptions and click OK.
• The Indexing Options menu will appear. At the bottom, click Modify.
• Thereafter, select Show all locations
• Eliminate all of the locations from the list and click OK.
• From the Troubleshooting menu, select the Advanced button and then Rebuild.
• Restart your computer and use the Start menu.

5. Update Windows OS

Microsoft will release an update to fix the Start menu not working on Windows 11 if it is a widespread problem. To proceed, you’ll have to access the Update & Security menu by going to Settings (Windows + I keys). The Start menu should now work properly once you download the most recent Windows 11 update.

These are some of the possible ways concerning how to fix Windows 11 Start Menu not working. We hope this guide proves helpful as you fix this issue on your Windows 11 PC.