start button disappeared

Question

start button disappeared

Dianne Webster 5

My start button disappeared after installing Windows 11. I don't know how to get it back. I also don't know how to shut down the computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Viorel 127.3K Reputation points

2025-10-23T00:16:23.49+00:00
Do you see the Taskbar like in this article:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/customize-the-taskbar-in-windows-0657a50f-0cc7-dbfd-ae6b-05020b195b07?
Dianne Webster 5 Reputation points

2025-10-23T00:28:33.9766667+00:00

No I don’t. At the bottom of the screen I have a windows icon, then search, then a bunch of icons for apps I have. When I hover on the windows icon, start comes up, but when I click it, nothing happens. Since I posted my question, my daughter told me to press control alt delete. When I did that the start button appeared in the right hand corner and I was able to shut down.
Viorel 127.3K Reputation points

2025-10-24T12:28:07.38+00:00

You should click the icon on taskbar, not the “Start” popup, which is just a description (ScreenTip). Then you will see the main Menu, which includes the Power button. Click the button, not the ScreenTip.
Dianne Webster 5 Reputation points

2025-10-24T12:51:17.4333333+00:00

I seem to be missing most of the task bar, but at least found the start button. That’s a good start. 😊

Your answer

Viorel 127.3K Reputation points

2025-10-23T00:16:23.49+00:00

Do you see the Taskbar like in this article:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/customize-the-taskbar-in-windows-0657a50f-0cc7-dbfd-ae6b-05020b195b07?
Dianne Webster 5 Reputation points

2025-10-23T00:28:33.9766667+00:00

No I don’t. At the bottom of the screen I have a windows icon, then search, then a bunch of icons for apps I have. When I hover on the windows icon, start comes up, but when I click it, nothing happens. Since I posted my question, my daughter told me to press control alt delete. When I did that the start button appeared in the right hand corner and I was able to shut down.
Viorel 127.3K Reputation points

2025-10-24T12:28:07.38+00:00

You should click the icon on taskbar, not the “Start” popup, which is just a description (ScreenTip). Then you will see the main Menu, which includes the Power button. Click the button, not the ScreenTip.
Dianne Webster 5 Reputation points

2025-10-24T12:51:17.4333333+00:00

I seem to be missing most of the task bar, but at least found the start button. That’s a good start. 😊