Windows menu and settings not opening

Santino Gandara 20 Reputation points
2026-05-24T19:43:01.1366667+00:00

So, these 2 issues on my windows 11 computer happened randomly 2 days ago, and I've been trying to do everything to fix them with the help from the internet. When I press my windows or start key on my keyboard. The menu that pops up where you can search for apps and stuff just does not show up. Not even able to type in the search bar either. The settings menu also just does not work at all. every time I click on my settings button nothing happens. These issues are starting to be annoying and makes it hard to do a lot of stuff on my computer. If someone has any idea on whats going on and how to fix it that would be great.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
Answer accepted by question author
John DeV 169.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-05-24T20:26:04.61+00:00

Hi, good day!

Have you made any changes to your computer recently?

Please try the following methods below.

  • Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Select the Processes tab.

Scroll down and look for Windows Explorer

Right click then select Restart.

  • Please try to run SFC and DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca

After that, restart your computer

Note: You can open command prompt by doing this,

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager then click File

Select "Run new task" then type: cmd

Make sure to put a check mark on the "Create this task with administrative privileges" box

Continue with the commands within the link above.

  • Repair all Windows apps via PowerShell

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager then click File

Select "Run new task" then type: powershell

Make sure to put a check mark on the "Create this task with administrative privileges" box

Copy and paste the command below one at a time then press Enter. Please ignore the red errors and let the process complete.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register "$($_. InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}

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

Restart your computer

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below instead of Yes or No button.

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  1. Manny Melo 0 Reputation points
    2026-05-30T19:04:14.9833333+00:00

    It looks like I had this happen to me today for a different reason: KB5089549 I tried JohnDeV's suggestions but unfortunately they didn't work for me.

    How I fixed it:

    1. Remove the Windows Sandbox feature (this necessary to remove the KB update)
    2. restart
    3. Remove KB5089549
    4. restart

    My start menu is now working like it should.

    EDIT: add KB5092427 & KB5089573 to that list. I uninstalled them in my troubleshooting process and re-installed them and had to remove them both again to get my start menu back. No more update previews for me.

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  4. AI answer

    2026-05-24T19:43:28.45+00:00

    Based on the described symptoms (Start menu not opening with the Windows key or Start button, search not working, Settings not opening), follow these steps in order. Where one step depends on Settings, an alternative path is provided.

    1. Restart Windows Explorer
    2. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
    3. In the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
    4. Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
    5. After the desktop/taskbar refresh, test the Start menu and Settings again.
    6. Fully shut down instead of restart A normal restart might not clear the issue; do a full shutdown:
    7. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and use the power icon in the bottom-right to choose Shut down.
    8. Wait 10–15 seconds, then power the PC back on.
    9. Test the Start menu and Settings.
    10. Check for a known Start menu issue (Windows 11 original release) If the device is on Windows 11 original release and has update KB5014668 (or a build around 22000.778) installed, there is a known issue where the Start menu does not open at all.

    Resolution:

    • Make sure the device has the later cumulative update KB5016629 (OS Build 22000.856) or newer installed. This update contains the fix.
    • If the device is managed by an organization and cannot update immediately, an admin can deploy the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) Group Policy for KB5014668 as documented in the update notes. This is done via Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > KB5014668 220721_04201 Known Issue Rollback > Windows 11 (original release).
    • For non-managed home devices, leave the PC connected to the internet and allow Windows Update to pull the KIR automatically; this can take up to 24 hours. Restarting can help the fix apply faster.
    1. Repair or reset Microsoft Store and other apps (if Settings opens later) Once Settings is working again, repair problematic apps if needed:
    2. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    3. Locate the app (for example, Microsoft Store or other system apps).
    4. Select the More icon (…) next to the app and choose Advanced options.
    5. Select Repair. If that does not help, select Reset.
    6. Repair apps via Control Panel (if Settings still cannot be opened) For classic desktop programs:
    7. Open Control Panel (search via Task Manager → File > Run new task → type control and press Enter).
    8. Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
    9. Right-click the program you want to fix and select Repair or Change, then follow the prompts.
    10. Reset Microsoft Store cache (if Store or built-in apps misbehave)
    11. Press Windows logo key + R to open Run.
    12. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
    13. A blank Command Prompt opens and closes after a few seconds; Microsoft Store should open automatically afterward.
    14. Use Settings once available to repair apps and system When Settings starts working again, use it as a central hub to:
    • Check for Windows Updates (to ensure all Start-menu-related fixes are installed).
    • Repair or reset apps under Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    • Adjust other system preferences if needed.

    If, after applying the cumulative updates (or KIR, if applicable) and restarting Windows Explorer and the PC, the Start menu and Settings still never open, the next escalation would typically be an in-place repair install or a full reset of Windows, but those steps are beyond the provided material.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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