The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Is your Windows 11 start menu not working as expected? Not to worry, this step-by-step guide features multiple fixes to this problem.
Solution 1: Re-register the Start Menu Using PowerShell
One popular solution to fix this Windows 11 issue is to re-register the Start menu using PowerShell. So, follow the steps and screenshots below to perform this task.
- Firstly, open Task Manager in Windows 11 by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
- Then, locate Windows Shell Experience Host on the Processes tab in Task Manager. The Windows Shell Experience Host is under Background processes.
- Next, right-click Windows Shell Experience Host and select End task from the displayed options.
- After doing all that, press Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run dialogue box.
- Afterward, type “powershell” in the Run input field and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to run as an administrator. Hence, you will get a User Account Control prompt asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your PC – left-click Yes to proceed.
- When the Windows PowerShell app opens, input the commands below one after the other and press Enter on your keyboard.
Stop-Process -Name "StartMenuExperienceHost" -Force
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
- Finally, restart your Windows 11 PC, and the Start menu should begin to work again. However, if it still doesn’t work, check out the other solutions below.
Solution 2: Update the Graphics Driver
Sometimes, an outdated graphics driver can be the cause of this Start menu problem. If that’s the case, updating the graphics driver of your Windows 11 computer should be able to fix the issue.
Hence, follow the procedures below to update your Windows 11 graphics driver.
Popular on Amazon
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
- Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run dialogue box. Then, type “devmgmt.msc” (without the quotes) in the input field and press Enter.
- Following that, expand Display adapters in Device Manager by double-clicking it.
- Then, right-click your graphics driver under Display adapters and select Update driver.
- After that, left-click Search automatically for drivers.
- Then, Windows will begin to search online for the latest graphics driver and automatically install it on your Windows 11 PC. Therefore, ensure your PC is connected to the internet during the process.
- After doing all that, restart your Windows 11 computer. Hopefully, the Start menu issue should be resolved.
If the issue isn’t resolved, try the final solution below.
Solution 3: Restart Windows Explorer
Another solution to fix your Windows 11 PC if the Start menu isn’t working is to restart Windows Explorer. To achieve that, follow the procedures below.
- Press your keyboard’s Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch Task Manager.
- Following that, select Windows Explorer on the Processes tab.
- Lastly, click the Restart button. Hence, the Start menu on your Windows 11 PC should work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Start menu is located on the taskbar in Windows 11.
Also popular on Amazon
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
To open the Start menu with your keyboard, press the Ctrl + Esc keys. You can also press the Windows key on your keyboard to launch the Start menu.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →There are numerous reasons that cause the Start menu to stop working. These include corrupt temporary data files that the Start menu uses and an outdated graphics driver.
Also popular on Amazon
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
The Start menu in Windows 11 looks like the Windows logo.
The Start menu is a feature in Windows operating systems that provides quick access to apps, folders, and system settings.
Also popular on Amazon
- A plug-and-play USB connection with Low-profile keys give you a quiet, comfortable typing experience
- Simple Wired USB Connection,You will enjoy a comfortable and quiet typing experience
- The keyboard for business and office working is the budget-friendly keyboard that is built for longer use
- Low profile keys for a more comfortable and quiet keystroke, desktop-centric design, splash resistant
Conclusion
The Start menu is an important feature in Windows 11 computers. Hence, I understand that it can be quite frustrating when the Start menu isn’t working.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThankfully, this guide provided various fixes to this frustrating issue. Essentially, this guide taught us how to fix the problem by re-registering the Start menu Shell experience packages using PowerShell.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【104 Keys Layout and Ergonomic Design】EDJO full-sized wired keyboard is ergonomically designed with palm rest and foldable stand that can make it typing more comfortable. Anti-slip design on the bottom of the keyboard can prevent the keyboard from moving while typing, which is more stable to use.
- 【Plug & Play and Stable Connection】This wired keyboard mouse combo is plug and play, no needed install any drivers, wired connection can provide more stable signal input than wireless connection, more responsive typing.
- 【Optical Wired Mouse】This is a optical wired mouse that can works well on a smooth surface even without a mouse pad. The mouse is symmetrical design,suitable for all users, very comfortable to hold, keeps your hands relaxed even after long time of work.
- 【12 Multimedia Shortcuts】The wired keyboard has 12 multimedia shortcuts combinations that is convenient to instant access music, volume, computer, mail, etc. it can improve work efficiency greatly. There are caps lock Indicator and number lock Indicator in the upper right corner of the keyboard. (Note: Some multimedia function are not available with Mac OS)
- 【Widely Compatible and 12 Months Warranty】EDJO wired keyboard and mouse combo is widely compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Mac and other operating systems. Suitable for Desktops, Chromebook, PC, Laptop, Computer, and more. Our product has 12 month's warranty, if you encounter any problems with the product, please contact us via email, we will provide you with excellent after-sales service.
We also learned how to resolve the issue by updating the graphics driver and restarting Windows Explorer.
I hope you were able to fix this Start menu issue with the solutions included in this guide. If you were, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.
You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Lastly, visit our Fix-It Guides page for more Windows 11 fixes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
![DistributedCOM DC Server Event ID 10016 DCDIAG Error [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DistributedCOM-DC-Server-Event-ID-10016-DCDIAG-Error-Fixed-768x494.jpg)
![Attribute Editor Tab Missing in ADUC [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Attribute-Editor-Tab-Missing-in-ADUC-Fixed-featured-image-768x512.jpg)
