Task bar search and Windows button not working

Matthew Harrison 20 Reputation points
2025-09-19T15:03:15.37+00:00

Got a new PC yesterday. The programs on my task bar can be opened, but the search bar and windows button do not work. Tapping the windows key on my keyboard does not open anything. I've done some troubleshooting. I have tried restarting the PC, restarting Windows Explorer, and running SFC, none of which fixed the problem.

Win+I doesn't open settings menu. Tried opening Powershell as Administrator by entering through Win+X but when I click on Terminal (admin) an error box pops ups telling me "The file cannot be accessed by the system."

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Task Bar
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Answer accepted by question author

DaveM121 909.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-09-19T15:37:12.5966667+00:00

Your Windows installation is very corrupt, if you are unable to access the Settings app, you cannot use the method available in there to resolve this, then the best option to stabilize your Windows installation is to perform an in-place repair with the Windows 11 ISO.

Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

to download the Windows 11 ISO

When the ISO file completes downloading

Disconnect from the Internet

Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

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