Windows Taskbar and settings not opening.

Irene, with that much corruption 1) I'd run the Repair Install which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/fix-windows...

2. You can also try this fix for the error for Settings > Personalization > Backgrounds This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action...

https://www.alitajran.com/ms-settings-personali...

https://www.technipages.com/fix-this-file-does-...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqoaCNqRgtQ

3. You can re-register the Settings app and any others in the list here that are not working, from Option 2 here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...
4. How did you update drivers? Make sure you followed the steps as I wrote them. Device Manager is not enough.

Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hello Greg, thank you for your help!

I have tried everything that you have listed (skipped some things that required the taskbar search (which I cannot open/use), and methods that I already have tried and haven't worked), but none seemed to work. In powershell, one of the commands told me "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them." but I still have the same problem. I don't think I explained my problem very well though. I cannot open the start menu, the taskbar, searchbar, notifications, volume, xbox control center, or calendar. When I right-click on my desktop and select "personalize" (or display settings), I get a problem saying this:

I also get a window saying I need to "open a ms-gaming link" whenever I try playing a game (eg. Roblox).

I'm currently trying step 6 and skipped step 5 because I already updated all of my drivers.

Hello Irene. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

1. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...

2. Try these fixes for Task Bar:

https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/how-to-fix-w...

https://techpp.com/2021/05/21/windows-10-taskba...

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-steps-fix-windo...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/taskbar-not-work... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://techloris.com/fix-windows-10-taskbar-no...

https://www.auslogics.com/en/articles/fix-windo...

3. Try these fixes for Start Menu not working:

Re-register the Start Menu from https://www.kapilarya.com/re-register-start-men...

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix...

https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/windows-10-...

https://www.wintips.org/fix-start-menu-not-work...

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/windows-10-sta...

https://winbuzzer.com/2021/06/03/windows-10-sta...

https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/windows-10-st...

https://windowsreport.com/start-menu-not-workin...

4. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 17 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

5. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

6. If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...
7. Only if none of these work do you need to try the Clean Install, which I will help you troubleshoot if necessary after following the gold standard Windows 10 Clean Install which compiles the best possible Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... Read over it first, take notes, ask back any questions so you're prepared.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Thank you so much for your help. Let me know if I could help in any way.

Thank you for your detailed reply and I do apologize it didn't work on your end. Let's ask our colleagues if they do have ideas and fix for this.