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Windows button and settings not opening, Windows 11

Isaiah L 5 Reputation points
2026-03-06T06:35:36.0033333+00:00

When I try to open my settings app it opens and then closes and when i click the windows button, on my keyboard or screen, my mouse just gets a loading icon and nothing happens. This has been happening for a few days and I'm yet to find a solution.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

2 answers

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  1. DaveM121 871K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-06T07:10:45.4433333+00:00

    Most likely this is caused by a recent update, if you are unable to access the settings app, you do not have access to many of the available troubleshooting steps.

    Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

    Do this twice

    On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt... etc.

    Please try each option one at a time, then see if Windows will boot to a stable system.

    1

    If there is an option to uninstall the latest update, that may be the best option.

    2.

    Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - Startup Repair

    See if Windows startup can repair itself

    3

    Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - System Restore

    Check to see if you have a restore point you can go back to before the problems started.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-06T06:35:45.8466667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Use the keyboard to open Settings and then troubleshoot from there.

    1. Try opening Settings directly:
      • Press Windows logo key + I together.
      • If Settings opens, use it to continue troubleshooting.
    2. If Settings opens, check for Windows updates (this can fix shell/start menu issues):
      • In Windows 11, select Windows Update in the left navigation.
      • Select Check for updates and install any available updates.
    3. If the Start button still does not respond but Settings works via the shortcut, use Settings search to reach key areas:
      • Press Windows logo key + I to open Settings.
      • Use the search box at the top (for example, type "update" or "troubleshoot").
    4. If Settings does not open at all (even with Windows logo key + I), use basic checks for system responsiveness:
      • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and see if the security screen appears.
      • If the screen is blank/black but the mouse moves, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver.
      • If the system is frozen, hold the power button for about 20 seconds to force a restart, then test the Start button and Settings again.

    If the problem persists after restarts and updates, it indicates a deeper Windows shell issue and may require more advanced repair (such as in-place repair or reset) beyond the provided steps.

    References:

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