How to Fix Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working Error: 7 Best Ways

Windows 11 is still in its infancy, you can also call it the early days of Windows 11. And, like many large OS updates, this one came with a few minor glitches and errors. One of the most noticeable is when the Start menu suddenly ceases to function. Windows start menu issues are not uncommon. Moreover, after reading this write-up, you will be satisfied and be able to fix Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working Error.

You may have experienced circumstances when the Start menu becomes slow or unresponsive, whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11. Whatever the matter may be, there are a few troubleshooting ways you may try to restore the Start menu in Windows 11 to its former grandeur. Let’s get started without further ado.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer, often known as File Explorer, is a crucial component for browsing and managing files on a computer. Apart from that, it also manages several of Windows’ other features, such as the Taskbar and the Start menu. Thus, restarting the Windows Explorer process may assist in the resolution of difficulties with the Start menu.

Step 1: Select Task Manager from the list by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

Step 2: Scroll down the Processes tab in the Task Manager window to discover Windows Explorer. Select it, then press the bottom-right Restart button.

Now you have to check if the Start menu is operating properly. If not working, then proceed to the next step.

2. Restart the Computer

If restarting Windows Explorer does not solve the problem. Now you should restart your computer to check that the start menu is now working or not. This will terminate all running apps and processes on your computer, giving it a new start.

Because the Start menu is now frozen, you’ll have to restart your computer in a different way than usual.

On your keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Del. Click the power icon in the bottom right corner of the screen that appears and select Restart.

Check to see if the Start menu issue has been resolved once your computer has booted up.

3. Check for Updates

Windows 11 is still in its early stages, therefore bugs and issues like the Start menu not working will take some time to fix. As Microsoft releases updates on a regular basis, these issues will gradually be resolved.

As a result, you should make it a habit to maintain your computer up to date.

Open the Settings app and go to Windows Update to check for updates on Windows 11. Then, on the right, click the Check for Updates option.

Examine your PC after the update to determine if the Start menu issue has been resolved.

4. Turn off / Disable Antivirus Software

Third-party antivirus software installed on your computer is known to occasionally interfere with the Windows process. Many people have found that disabling them solves their Start menu issues in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

To be sure, try temporarily deactivating or suspending your antivirus program to see whether it resolves the problem. If it happens, you should either switch to a different anti-virus or utilize the built-in Windows Defender for a more smooth experience.

5. Sign in with Local Administrator Account

If the difficulty with the Start menu is caused by the Microsoft Account you’re using on your PC, try signing in using a local admin account instead.

Step 1: To do so, hit Windows Key + I to open the Settings app quickly. Now go to the Accounts and select the Your Info option in the right window.

Step 2: Select Sign in with a local account instead under Account settings.

For many users, signing in using a local account has appeared to perform effectively in resolving start menu issues on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

6. Restore Windows 11

Restoring the computer to a prior state when it was working properly can resolve a variety of minor and severe difficulties. When Windows detects a substantial change, such as the installation of a new app or some system-level modifications, it takes a backup of the entire system on a regular basis.

Step 1: Open Windows Search by pressing Windows key+S. And then search for restore and choose to Create a restore point.

Step 2: On the System Protection tab, click the System Restore button.

Step 3: A new pop-up will present you with two possibilities. If you believe a recent app, update, or driver is causing the Start menu to malfunction, select the recommended option. If it’s anything else, or you want to choose a restore point manually based on date and time, go with the second option.

Step 4: If you select the second option, you will be given a list of all recent restore points created by your Windows machine. Choose one depending on the day and time when you believe everything, including the Start menu, was working properly. Follow the on-screen instructions by clicking Next.

Because this could take some time, ensure sure your computer has a reliable power source and, in the case of a laptop, is plugged into a power outlet.

7. Reset Your PC of Windows 11

Resetting your computer may be your last resort if all else fails. A faulty update or a terrible program installation can sometimes damage your PC experience by causing issues like these.

In such cases, though, rebooting your computer may be beneficial. It’s important to note that resetting your Windows PC will erase all of your data and remove all installed apps save those that came preloaded. It will restore your computer to the condition it was in when you originally purchased it.

Step 1: To reset your PC, go to System > Recovery in the Settings app on your PC.

Step 2: Select Reset PC from the Recovery menu. To finish resetting your PC, follow the onscreen prompts.

Now check again your start menu by clicking on all features you might think to cause a problem. The Start menu should now work properly.

FAQs – Fix Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working

How to fix the frozen or Jam Start menu on Windows 11?

To rapidly solve a frozen or slow Start menu on Windows 11, use the same methods suggested above.

Can I get Windows 10 like Start Menu on Windows 11?

Yes. If you don’t like Windows 11’s new centered Start menu, you can simply get a Windows 10-style start menu on Windows 11.

How can I customize Windows 11 Start menu?

There are a lot of customization possibilities with Windows 11. From the apps that appear to the overall style and feel, you can modify almost every aspect of the Start menu.

Final Remarks: Fix Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working

Our list of solutions to Fix Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working is now completed. Some are rather simple, while others are a little more difficult. However, attempting the aforementioned methods should suffice, and you should now be able to experience most of Windows 11. If you think that we are still missing something that should be included in Start Menu Not Working on Windows 11, do let us know using the comments section.

You may also like to read: How to Maintain Computer: 3 Simple Ways.