How to Fix the Windows 11 Start Button Not Working Issue – 6 Steps

Learn how to fix the Windows 11 Start Button Not Working Issue With this step-by-step guide. We will also take a look at what causes the issue and easy out-of-the-box solutions, which include restarting Windows Explorer, re-registering the Start menu, and creating a new user account.

How to Fix the Windows 11 Start Button Not Working Issues

The Windows 11 start button has become the most reported issue since the update and installation of Windows 11. The Start button is at the core of what we associate with Windows’ user experience. It is where you access your apps, settings, and system tools. When it just ceases to respond, it is very frustrating. Do not worry, we will go over why the issue of the Windows 11 start button not working happens.

Read More: How to Run Android Apps on Windows 11

Why does the Windows 11 Start button Stop working?

Here are a few reasons for the Windows 11 start button not working.

• Corrupted system files
• Faulty Windows Explorer process
• Damaged Start Menu configuration
• Buggy Windows updates
• Third-party software conflicts

Once you see what the cause is out that is when you get it to fix easily. We will go over some great solutions.

Read More: How to Use Windows 11 Widgets- A Complete Guide

1. Restart Windows Explorer

The first step in solving the issue of the non-responsive Windows 11 start button is to restart Windows Explorer. What this does is to refresh the full user interface, which includes the taskbar and Start menu.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer in the list.
3. Right-click on it and choose Restart.

After a while, check to see if the Start button is back up.

Read More: How to Turn on Secure Boot in Windows 11 – Best 5 Steps

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart will fix the issue of the Windows 11 start button not working. Also, by doing a restart, you clear out temporary glitches and at the same time, the basic background services load again.

Read More: How to Optimize Windows 11 for Gaming – Complete Details

To Restart your PC:

• Press Alt + F4 on the desktop.
• Choose Restart and click OK.

After the restart, try out your Start button.

3. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters that will fix some issues at the press of a button. If the issue of the start button not responding in Windows 11 persists,

Try This:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshoot tools.
• Run through the Windows Update and Search, and Indexing Troubleshooters.

These tools may also identify and fix any issues with the Start menu.

4. Re-Register the Start Menu with PowerShell

If still having issues with the Start menu, you can repair it via PowerShell. This runs and reinstates default Start menu elements.

Steps of

• Open Task Manager and click File > Run new task.
• Type in PowerShell, check “Create this task with administrative Privileges” and press Enter.
• Paste the following command:

                 Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost | Foreach { Add-“$($_.Install Location)\AppXManifest.xml”}

• Press Enter, then restart your PC.

This solution is for repairing broken Start menu files, which cause the Problem of the Windows 11 Start button not working.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated and unstable versions of Windows 11 also cause issues with the Start button. Keep your system up to date.

How to Update:

• Open Settings (Windows + I).
• Select Windows Update.
• Go to the check updates option and install if an update is available.

Once the updates are done, please restart your computer.

6. Create a New User Account

If nothing else works, your user profile may be damaged. With a brand new account often comes the solution for the Windows 11 start button not working Issue.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
• Click to add your account and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Sign in with your new account and check the Start Button.

Conclusion

The issue of the Windows 11 start button not working may come suddenly, but it is usually very easy to sort out with the proper steps. Try out basic solutions first, like a reboot of Windows Explorer or a system update. If that still doesn’t work, try to register the Start menu again or create a new user account. By this, you should be able to get your Windows 11 Start button back to full function in no time and get back to work.