[Latest Fixes] How to Solve Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working

Overview of Windows 11 Start Menu

The new updates to the Windows 11 Start Menu bring a captivating and visually appealing experience. With its original and modern design, the updates in Windows 11 are more attractive than ever.

It provides users with an intuitive way to access functionalities on their computers. After updating, the new Start Menu combines a visually appealing design with improved functionality.

With its streamlined app grid, customizable layout, and dynamic features, the Windows 11 Start Menu enhances the overall user experience and provides a user-friendly interface for efficient navigation and multitasking.

But some users have encountered issues of Windows 11 Start Menu not working, a problem that has also been observed in Windows 10. However, there is no need for concern as there are troubleshooting methods available to restore the Start Menu's functionality on Windows 11.

Why is the Windows 11 Start Menu not working

Before fixing, it is better to delve into the possible reasons. There can be several reasons why the Windows 11 Start Menu may not be working properly. Here are some common factors that can contribute to this issue:

7 methods for fixing Start Menu not working Windows 11 with Windows inbuilt tool

If you're experiencing issues with the Start button not working Windows 11, you can try the following solutions to resolve the problem:

Method 1: Run the Microsoft Start Menu Troubleshooter

To resolve the issue of the Windows 10 Start menu and taskbar not functioning properly, Microsoft offers a dedicated tool called the Start Menu Troubleshooter. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Microsoft Start Menu Troubleshooter and click "Next."

Step 2: The tool will scan for problems with the Start menu. If any issues are detected, they will be displayed. If no problems are found, you will see a message stating "Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem."

Method 2: Update the drivers

Outdated drivers can sometimes cause issues with the Start menu. At this time, you can try to update the drivers to fix Start menu not working Windows 11.

Step 1: Press "Win+R" and then type "devmgmt. msc" with hitting “Enter” to open Device Manager. Then click on "Disk drives."

Step 2: In the new interface, right-click on the relevant drive and select "Update driver."

Step 3: Next, choose the option "Search automatically for updated driver software."

Method 3: Restart File Explorer

File Explorer in Windows is responsible for managing all programs on your PC. If you encounter system problems, restarting Windows Explorer can help resolve them.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and select "Task Manager."

Step 2: Locate and right-click on "Windows Explorer," then choose "Restart." The File Explorer will restart automatically, and the taskbar and desktop will reload.

Method 4: Update the Windows OS

If your current version of Windows 11 is outdated or incompatible with your PC, it may result in the Start menu not working. Therefore, it is essential to check for updates and upgrade the Windows OS accordingly.

Step 1: Press the "Windows" key, select "Settings," and click on "Windows Update" in the new window.

Step 2: Click on "Check for updates" to see if there are any new Windows versions available.

Method 5: Reset the PC

Resetting your PC can restore the system to its default settings, which might help resolve the issue.

Step 1: Press "Windows + I" to open Windows Settings, then click "Update & Security."

Step 2: In the new window, click on "Recovery" and then select "Get started" under "Reset this PC."

Step 3: Choose "Keep my files" in the new window.

Step 4: Next, click "Local reinstall" in the new interface.

Step 5: In the "Reset this PC" window, click "Next".

Step 6: Finally, click "Reset" to initiate the PC reset process.

Method 6: Repair system files

If system files in Windows 11 become corrupted or lost, it can cause disruptions and errors in the system, affecting functionality and leading to the Start button not working Windows 11. You can try checking for corrupted system files using the Command Prompt (CMD).

Step 1: Press the "Windows" key, type "cmd," and then click "Run as administrator" to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2: Type "sfc /scannow" and press "Enter." Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 3: If the SFC command fails to repair the corrupted files, you can utilize the DISM tool. In the Command Prompt window, enter "Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press "Enter."

Method 8. Rebuild MBR

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a crucial component of the disk's booting process and contains essential information about the partitions on the disk. If the MBR becomes corrupted, it can result in incorrect boot configuration and prevent the system from loading the necessary files for the Start Menu, thereby leading to Windows 11 Start Menu not opening or working.

Compared with other methods to fix MBR corruption, which requires preparing Windows installation media or delving into Command lines, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional can offer an easier and more effective plan. It is a robust software that can help you solve the computer issues at hand. With a user-friendly interface with a step-by-step wizard, it makes it accessible to users of all technical levels.

Firstly, you should create a bootable USB and perform the MBR rebuilding process on the computer.

Step 1. Install and run a free disk tool on another Windows 11 PC. Insert a USB drive with a capacity of at least 13GB. Once your PC detects the USB, click on "Tools" and then "Make Bootable Media" in the top panel. Proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 2. Choose the option for "USB Boot Device" and select the prepared USB drive. Press "Proceed" to create a WinPE bootable disk for Windows 11.

Now, connect the USB to the PC that is stuck on the boot screen and access the BIOS to change the boot device, ensuring that the PC boots from the USB. You will then see the interface of the disk tool.

Step 1. Right-click on the C drive and select "Advanced" followed by "Check Partition."

Step 2. Step 2. Choose the preferred method for checking errors:

Step 3. Click "OK" to proceed.

Step 4. After the check, select the system disk that is unable to boot. Right-click on the disk and choose "Rebuild MBR." Alternatively, you can navigate to the left side interface of the disk tool and select "Disk Operations" followed by "Rebuild MBR."

Step 5. Specify the type of MBR to rebuild in the "Rebuild MBR" window.

Step 6. Click on "Apply" in the toolbar to initiate the operation.

You can now remove the USB and restart your PC to check if the issue has been resolved.

Summary

As we can see, Windows 11 Start Menu not working may result from many factors. Although many methods can work out for this issue, still it is a time-and-energy-consuming event. It is recommended to use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

With this versatile and powerful software, you can directly check the errors on partitions and then repair them without seeking help from others. Apart from that, it also supports migrating OS to SSD, allocating free space, and converting between MBR/GPT. Windows Server 2003, 2008 (R2), 2012 (R2), 2016, 2019, 2022 and SBS 2003, 2008, 2011 users can choose the Server Edition for computer management at high level of expertise as well.