Top 7 Ways to Fix Start Menu Not Working in Windows 11

The default Start menu received the biggest redesign with the Windows 11 update. Along with the obvious center position, the Start menu also contains pinned apps, recommendations, and shortcuts for frequently used folders. It doesn’t matter when the brand new Start menu stops working in the first place. Here is how to fix Start menu not working in Windows 11.

The Start menu contains all of your applications. This is a primary feature of Windows 11. The Start menu not working in Windows 11 can frustrate you and lead you to install third-party Start menu alternatives from the web. Follow the methods below and return to the Windows 11 Start menu.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

The taskbar, Start menu, and Action Center are all part of the Windows Explorer service. When you have problems with the Windows 11 taskbar or Start menu, you can restart the Windows Explorer service and try again.

Step 1: Use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys and open the Task Manager menu.

2nd step: On the Processes tab, select Windows Explorer.

Step 3: Click the Restart button at the bottom and close Task Manager.

Try to access the Start menu again.

2. Restart the services from the Start menu

By default, Start menu services start running in the background as soon as you turn on the PC. If there are problems with the background services and processes, you need to reset the service from the start menu. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open Task Manager.

2nd step: Go to the Details tab.

Step 3: Find StartMenuExperienceHost.exe from the menu.

Step 4: Click on it and select End task at the bottom.

Restart the PC using Alt + F4 keys (since your Start menu is not working, you cannot restart the PC using the traditional method) and see if the Start menu is working again or not.

3. Use the Start menu troubleshooter

In 2019, when Microsoft disrupted Start menu functions with a feature update, the company released the Start Menu Troubleshooter app to resolve the issue. Here’s how you can use it in 2022.

Step 1: Visit the link below and install the Start Menu Troubleshooter on Windows.

Step 3: Activate Apply repairs automatically and click the Next button.

Let Microsoft fix the Start menu not working issue in Windows 11 and try again.

4. Remove third-party applications from the Start menu

In an effort to give their Windows desktop an aesthetic makeover, users often end up installing third-party task managers and Start menu tools. Although they help you change the appearance of the Start menu, it can damage the main function of the service. You must identify and remove these applications from the computer.

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app (use Windows + I keys).

2nd step: Go to the Applications menu.

Step 3: Select Apps & Features.

Step 4: Find these apps in the list and click on the three dot menu next to it.

Select Uninstall and remove applications from Windows 11.

5. Rebuild the search index

The universal search menu is part of the Start menu. Microsoft collects search history to provide relevant and faster search results. If the search database is corrupted, it may interfere with the functions of the Start menu. You need to rebuild the search index on your PC. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Press Windows + R keys and open the Run menu.

2nd step: Type control / name Microsoft.IndexingOptions and press ok at the bottom.

Step 3: This will open the Indexing Options menu. Select Edit at the bottom.

Step 4: Select Show all locations.

Step 5: Uncheck all the locations in the list and click OK.

Step 6: Select the Advanced button and click Rebuild from the Troubleshoot menu.

Restart your PC and try to use the Start menu.

6. Update graphics drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can interfere with Windows user interface elements such as the Start menu. You can update graphics drivers to the latest version from the Device Manager menu.

Step 1: Use Windows + X keys and open the Device Manager menu.

2nd step: Find an integrated or external graphics card in the list and right click on it.

Step 3: Select Update Driver and download the latest drivers from the web.

7. Update the Windows operating system

If the Start menu is not working in Windows 11 is a common issue, Microsoft will release an update to resolve the issue.

You can go to Settings (Use Windows keys + I) and Update & Security menu. Download the latest version of Windows 11 and the Start menu should start working now.

Resume the Start menu working on Windows 11

There’s a lot to like about the new Windows 11 Start menu. It’s an integral part of the operating system. If you’re having trouble accessing the Start menu, the steps above should help resolve the issue. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments below.