My Windows 11 Start Button is no longer working.

Anonymous
2024-03-18T17:15:44+00:00

Hello,

Since yesterday my Windows 11 Start Button is no longer working.

It animates when I click it, but nothing else happens, also, my taskbar keeps switching on and off.

I don't know whether that is relevant or has anything to do with the problem, but two days ago I had Windows updates two days on the trot.

I have tried a number of recommended solutions, like commands in Pwoer shell, sfc /scannow, the DISM commands, updating my graphics drivcer, registry hacks, tried to re-install Windows but gave up when I saw I couldn't keep my files.

In short, none of the above have worked.

The thing is, some things I cannot do, like check my updates etc., as some Windows key commands don't work, eg. Windows + I.

Has anyone got any further advice for me, please?

Thank you very much in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-19T22:58:55+00:00

    Hi,

    I used System File Checker (SFC) to check and repair my installation. It said it didn't find any errors but my activation disappeared right after doing the check. I ended up having to download the most recent Windows 11 release, installing it, and activating it with my original key. That fixed all my issues. I think I had previously said I just rolled it back but that failed the next day when Windows Update decided I needed an update, etc. It sure seems like this issue comes about for a variety of reasons and there's not just 1 thing to fix it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-01T15:01:16+00:00

    Hi

    I faced the same problem a few days ago. I have two accounts that work fine on my laptop, but when I created a third account I had a problem with Start button. I had tried different solutions but nothing helped. In the end, I found a recommendation in Community to remove/rename C:\Users{Problem account}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows folder using a different account, so the system can re-create it properly. I tried it, Start menu problem is gone, but I had an error with opening files like jpg.

    My solution was to delete C:\Users{Problem account}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell folder using a different account. Now everything works fine.

    bro you are a life saver had same issue with just 1 account, tried everything but only this solution worked thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-04-04T06:37:32+00:00

    you cant open system, if the start button wont work then settings cant be opened either with this issue

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-04-13T12:59:24+00:00

    I cannot open settings at all so i'm not even able to do number 1 on your list.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-05-06T10:50:12+00:00

    I have the exact same problem over a year later. You'd think Microsoft would be on this like a tramp on chips, but no.

    I followed your instructions, logging in as a local administrator, and deleted the shell folder.

    Glad it worked for you, but it didn't work for me.

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