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Windows Start menu and taskbar search box not responding

Jang Minki 60 Reputation points
2026-02-06T07:30:16.5366667+00:00

Hello,

We are using Windows 11 2024 (business environment), and some of our company users are experiencing an issue where the Windows Start button on the taskbar does not respond, and the search box next to it also does not work.

For example, when they try to type “Settings” in the search box, they cannot type anything at all.

Could you please advise on the possible cause of this error and the recommended resolution?

Thank you.

Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Other

Windows for business | Windows 365 Business
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  1. Sumit D - IA 168.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-06T08:16:02.1266667+00:00

    Hi Jang,

    Do you mean Windows 11 24H2 update?

    Please supply the following Information.

    Right-click the Start button and Choose the Run option

    Type in msinfo32

    Press enter.

    Take a screenshot of the System Summary window and post it in the next reply.

    I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-06T07:30:24.96+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If the Windows Start button and taskbar search box are not responding in Windows 11, there are a few potential causes and resolutions you can consider:

    1. Background Tasks Infrastructure Service: Ensure that the Background Tasks Infrastructure Service is running. If it is not started, the Start menu and search functionalities may not work. You can check this by opening the Services console and ensuring that the service is set to automatic startup.
    2. Windows Updates: Check if there are any pending Windows updates. Sometimes, issues are resolved through updates that include bug fixes and improvements. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    3. Restart Windows Font Cache Service: Restarting the Windows Font Cache Service can also help resolve issues with the search functionality. You can do this by entering services.msc in the search box, finding Windows Font Cache Service, right-clicking it to stop, and then starting it again.
    4. Reset Windows Search: If the issue persists, consider resetting Windows Search. For Windows 11, you can use a PowerShell script to reset it. Make sure you have administrator permissions and that the PowerShell execution policy is set to Unrestricted before running the script.

    These steps should help in troubleshooting the issue with the Start menu and search box not responding in Windows 11.

    References:

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