Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working After Update (solved)

The Start Menu is a central feature in Windows 11, allow quick access to apps, settings, and files. However, sometimes you may find, Windows 11 start menu not working after update,  becomes unresponsive or fails to open entirely. Several users report Start menu not opening hangs, freezes, or can’t use the Start Menu after Windows update. This issue can occur for a variety of reasons, such as incompatible updates, corrupt system files, or conflicts with installed applications. This article explores the causes of this problem and effective solutions to restore the functionality of your Start Menu in Windows 11.

Windows 11 Start Menu Not Working

Issues with the Start Menu can be frustrating, especially when it won’t allow open anything. corrupted system files to software conflict or corrupt user profiles are some of the common reasons behind this.

• Incompatible or Faulty Updates: Updates might introduce bugs or compatibility issues that affect the Start Menu.
• Corrupt System Files: Damaged system files can disrupt core functionalities like the Start Menu.
• Conflicting Applications: Third-party apps, especially those that modify the user interface, can conflict with Windows components.
• Corrupt User Profile: Problems within your user profile can result in an unresponsive Start Menu.
• Pending System Restarts: Updates that require a system restart might leave components in an unstable state until rebooted.

Restart ShellExperienceHost

The ShellExperienceHost.exe process manages the visual elements of the Windows interface, including the Start Menu and Action Center. Sometimes, this process may encounter glitches, causing the Start Menu to stop working. Restart ShellExperienceHost help most users fix the start menu problem.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Under the Processes tab, locate ShellExperienceHost.exe.
• Right-click on StartMenuExperienceHost.exe and select end task from the context menu.
• It’ll restart the Start Menu process.

In addition, locate Windows Explorer in the Processes tab, Right-click it and select Restart.

Now, the Start Menu will become more responsive and you’ll notice a boost in Start Menu performance.

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues caused by incomplete updates or temporary glitches.

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Restart from the power options.
• Wait for your system to reboot and check if the Start Menu is functioning.

Restarting clears temporary caches and applies pending updates. This basic step often fixes minor issues without further troubleshooting.

Restart the Application Identity Service

The Application Identity Service is crucial for managing app-related components, including permissions and user access. When this service is disrupted, it can indirectly affect the Start Menu’s functionality.

• Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down to locate Application Identity.
• Right-click it and select Restart.
• If the service is stopped, right-click on it and select properties then click Start.

Reboot windows and check if this helps fix the start menu not working problem.

Re-register Start Menu Shell Experience Packages

If the Start Menu files or packages are corrupted, re-registering them can help restore functionality. Using PowerShell, you can re-register the Start Menu to resolve functionality issues.

• Open an elevated PowerShell window,
• To do this right-click on the taskbar and open task manager. Or you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Here on taskmanager click on file -> type PowerShell and checkmark on create this task with administrative privileges.

On PowerShell windows Type the following command and press Enter:

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

Wait until the app download and installation process completes ignore any red text that appears — and restart Windows. After that restart Windows and check Windows 11 Start menu working properly.

Check with a New User Account

Again sometimes corrupted user profiles also cause Windows apps to struggle or not respond. Create a new user account following the steps below, log in with the newly created user account profile help determine whether the problem is user-specific or system-wide.

• Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Click Add account and follow the prompts to create a new local account.
• Log in with the new account and check if the Start Menu works.

A new account provides a fresh set of user files and settings, bypassing corruption that might affect the current profile.

Check for Corrupted System Files Using SFC and DISM Tools

System file corruption can occur due to interrupted updates or other software issues. Tools like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) help repair such corruption.

1. Open command prompt as administrator (refer above steps we used task manager to open PowerShell as administrator)
2. Enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth ( To Repair the System Image ) And wait until 100% complete the scanning process.
3. After that type Enter sfc /scannow to run the System file checker utility which scans for corrupted, missing system files.
4. Wait for each command to complete before running the next.
5. Restart your PC to apply any changes.

Install Pending Updates or Uninstall Recent Updates

An incomplete or buggy Windows update can sometimes break the Start Menu functionality. Installing pending updates or rolling back problematic updates can resolve the issue.

Steps to Install Pending Updates:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. If updates are available, download and install them.
4. Restart your PC once updates are installed.

Steps to Uninstall Recent Updates:

1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update > Update history.
2. Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
3. In the list of installed updates, locate the most recent update.
4. Right-click it and select Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC and check the Start Menu.

Perform System Restore

If all else fails, a System Restore can roll your PC back to a point when everything is functioning correctly. This is particularly helpful if the issue began after a recent change or update.

• Press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
• In the System Restore window, click Next.
• Select a restore point created before the Start Menu issue began.
• Click Next, then Finish to start the restoration process.
• Once your PC restarts, check if the Start Menu is responsive.

System Restore is particularly useful if the Start Menu issue coincides with recent changes to system settings or installations.