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
    2024-05-10T19:39:45+00:00

    I am having the same issue. I can't get to the settings....

    I right click on the start button and I see settings, but when I click on it nothing happens.

    If I click on the start button nothing happens.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-19T07:02:40+00:00

    Hi, Klauwaart

    Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

    In addition to the many things you've already tried, you can try the following suggestions to see if they can help you eliminate or troubleshoot the problem:

    1. Uninstall the update: If you have recently installed Windows Update and are experiencing problems, here is how to uninstall the update to try to resolve the issue:
    • Select Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates.
    • In the list that appears, find the update you want to remove and select "Uninstall". Note: Some updates cannot be uninstalled.
    1. Restore the system: Use System restore to make restore points when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won’t affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.
    2. create a new local account: Create a new account to see if the problem of unresponsive start menu clicks still occurs.

    If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Best Regards

    Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-05-03T14:45:23+00:00

    Hello Martin,

    I right-clicked the Windows Start Button Icon and then selected "settings" and nothing opened.

    How can I get to the Windows Settings to then perform the uninstall updates?

    Thank you,

    Richard

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-05-12T06:29:53+00:00

    Same thing just happened to me. I installed Windows updates than all I get is the MC bubble screen. If I right click to get display settings I just get the little circle going round and round. I am in the middle of a deadline and I can't do anything with the bubble screen.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-04-01T21:16:16+00:00

    Hi, Klauwaart

    I'm really sorry, I really realize the importance of the start menu when you say that, a lot of approaches need to revolve around it.

    For the uninstalling of updates mentioned in method 1, you can right click on the start menu and select Display settings, which also opens the settings screen, and then follow the steps.

    For the restore operation mentioned in method 2, you can also open the settings via Display settings.

    • Select System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now
    • Select Troubleshooting > Advanced options > System restore

    It should now operate smoothly, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know.

    Best Regards

    Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    Thank you Martin.

    However, the solutions you mention are impossible for me unless you know certain shortcuts to access functions of the start menu.

    The problem is I have no access to the start button to make it display and work, the Windows key combinations don't work either, Windows +I, Windows+R etc. nor can I type in the search bar. My shortcut bar also is missing and IMG files don't display when clicked on. I can't update windows because I can not access the settings to do anything. Is there a work around the Start button through file manager or something?

    If you have any other ways of getting to Settings etc., please let me know.

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