Start Menu is one of the Windows Foundation central hubs that allows users to access applications, files, and settings. However, having an issue with the Start menu is something that no one wants to have because, without it, it is hard to access our system’s crucial features. Well, something really happened with my PC recently.

Yes, recently, my Start Menu stopped working, or basically, it is not working anymore on my Windows 11 PC. I got very frustrated and disrupted. But, when I applied the fixes I’ve mentioned for users like me who are facing the same error, I easily resolved this particular issue. So, let’s check out the troubleshooting steps mentioned further in this article. 

Why is my Windows Start Menu not working on a Windows 11 PC?

Are you also facing this problem? Does the Start button get frozen or doesn’t respond, including a latency error when attempting to access the Start Menu? There could be various reasons why the Windows Start Menu is not working on your Windows 11 PC. So, let’s check out what I find the most potential reason why the Start Menu malfunctions:

1. Software Glitches: There are some cases where we find that when users update their OS or download any third-party application, it contains bugs and glitches, which further became the reason why the Start Menu stopped working, or the Start Menu icon is missing. 
2. System Resource Issues: Did you check if your device is running out of system resources such as RAM or processing power? This further prevents various features of your device from working, including the Start Menu. 
3. Compatibility Issues: There is a chance that you may have installed a third-party application that won’t match your device specification and conflicts with your device functionality. This may be one of the biggest reasons why the Windows Start menu is not working or has stopped working. 
4. User Profile Corruption: Sometimes, I’ve personally seen that user profile corruption may lead to this kind of error with your Windows 11 functionality. However, profile corruption that causes the Start Menu or Win key not to work properly may be due to improper shutdowns, disk errors, or virus infections.  

How to Fix If Windows Start Menu is Not Working on Windows 11 PC

If you are also experiencing issues with your Start Menu on a Windows 11 PC, then worry not, as you are not alone. After the Windows 11 recent patch update, there are many users who reported the same, including me.

Yes, I also faced this problem and initially got frustrated, as I’ve already mentioned. But the good news is that I successfully found some fixes that helped me troubleshoot this problem, and guess what? I have mentioned all those fixes right here in this article. Thus, let’s check out the needy troubleshooting fixes to resolve the Windows Start Menu not working problem:

Fix 1: Restart Your Computer

Yeah! I know this is something that you may have already tried, but trust me, before trying any technical fixes, rebooting your device always helps you to give your system a fresh new start. However, it may also fix the problem that you are getting without applying any further fix. 

So, to reboot your Windows 11 PC, you must press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select Power, and then select Restart if your Win key or start menu is not working. Once done, check if the Windows Start Menu is not working and if the problem gets resolved.

Fix 2: Update Your Windows 

As we are already aware, Microsoft always releases updates to address bugs and glitches that the last update caused. So, with the new version, they try to fix the different problems, such as the Windows Start Menu not working on your Windows 11 PC. So, let’s check out the steps to update your device OS:

1. Initially, open Windows Settings. To do so, right-click on your Start Menu and select Settings. 
2. Afterwards, go to the Windows Update section. 
3. Hit the Check For Updates.
   
   

Fix 3: Run The Windows Troubleshooter

Many users are still not aware of the Windows in-built troubleshooting tool. Well, this tool was added by Microsoft officials to help identify and fix some common issues, such as the problem of the Start Menu not working. So, to do this:

1. First of all, open the Windows Settings by right-clicking on the Start Menu and selecting Settings. 
2. Then, go to the System. 
3. Tap on Troubleshoot.
   
   
4. Afterwards, hit the Other Troubleshooter.
   
   
5. Now, hit the Run button located next to the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
   
   
6. Then, wait until the process is done and reboot your device. 

That’s it. Now, you just have to check your Start Menu to see if it starts working or not. However, in a very unfortunate situation, it is still not working, so hover over to the next fix. 

Fix 4: Use SFC And DISM Scan

Most of the time, just because there are some bugs or corrupted system files available on your PC causing the Windows Start Menu not working on Windows 11 PCs. So, in this situation, running SFC and DISM Scan together might help you resolve this problem. Thus, let’s check out how:

1. First of all, open the Command Prompt with Admin Rights using the Windows search menu. 
2. Afterwards, type sfc/scannow and hit the Enter key.
   
   
3. Thereafter, run the following commands each after the other:
   

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

Note: Keep in mind that you may face a freeze issue with your Windows 11 PC screen for a few seconds as a part of this process. So, don’t get afraid. 

Fix 5: Uninstall The Conflicted Software

On investigation, I find that some users are getting this problem because of the third-party software that they have recently installed on their Windows 11 PC. Thus, if your Windows Start Menu is not working or has stopped working, then you must uninstall the conflicted software.

So, to uninstall any conflicting software, you first need to identify the one causing this issue. So, first, perform a clean boot to start Windows with minimal startup programs and services. To do so:

1. Use the Windows Search and search for msconfig. 
2. Then, go to the Services. 
3. Tap on the Hide all Microsoft Services checkbox.
   
   
4. Hit the Disable All button. 
5. Thereafter, tap on the Startup section. 
6. Then, tap on Open Task Manager.
   
   
7. Afterwards, disable all the third-party programs by selecting them and hitting the Disable button.
8. Then, reboot your PC and check if the Start Menu starts working or not. If it is working, then gradually run the programs one after the other and see which one is the main culprit. 
9. Afterwards, to uninstall the program, open the Add or Remove Programs using Windows Search. 
10. Then, select that particular app and tap on the three-dot button> Uninstall> Uninstall.
    
    

Fix 6: Create A New User Profile

If, even after uninstalling the culprit application, your Windows Start Menu is not working, the issue still persists, then it may be due to your corrupted profile. To fix the Windows Start Menu not working issue on your Windows 11 PC, you must create a new user account on your Windows 11 PC and see if the Start Menu works properly. To do so:

1. First of all, right-click on Windows Start Menu and select Settings > Accounts.
2. Select Family.
   
   
3. Next to Your Family, select Add Someone.
   
   
4. Choose the account type (Local or Microsoft).
5. Follow the prompts to set up the new account.

Fix 7: Reset Windows 11

If you are still getting the Start Menu functionality issue, then there might be a possibility that your device’s system file may be corrupted, which is why you are getting the error. However, in case you don’t know how to reset your Windows 11 PC, you must perform these steps:

1. Open Windows Settings using the methods mentioned above. 
2. Go to System. 
3. Now, tap on Recovery.
   
4. Click on Reset PC next to the Reset This PC option.
   
   

Also Read: 

1. “This app can’t run on your PC” Error on Windows 11 | How to Fix It
2. How to Compare Two Files in Notepad++ (Windows 11)
3. How to Encrypt a USB Flash Drive on Windows 10/11
4. What is ACPI.sys Error And How to Fix It on Windows 10 & 11
5. How To Fix uTorrent Not Working on Windows 10/11 PC

So, that’s all I’ve for you on how to fix the Windows Start Menu not working issue on Windows 11 PC. It’s my hope that the fixes I’ve mentioned earlier in this guide has helped you. However, in case you are still getting the same error, you must contact the officials. Meanwhile, in case you don’t know how to get help from Windows, you must check out our guide. 

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