Cant find start icon

Question

I can't access the start so that I can get to epson scan options

Answer 1

Dear Marlene Chio, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I’m sorry for the inconvenience this has caused, when the Start button/menu isn’t accessible, it can be frustrating because it blocks you from opening apps (such as Epson Scan) and adjusting scan options. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow this down quickly, could you share a bit more detail? 

• Is the taskbar visible at the bottom of the screen, or is it hidden/missing? 
• When you press the Windows key on the keyboard, does the Start menu open or nothing happens? 
• Can you open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc? 
• Is Epson Scan installed as Epson Scan or Epson Scan 2? 

In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

1. Use Windows Search 

• Press Win + S 
• Type Epson Scan or Epson Scan 2 
• Select the app and open it 

2. Open from Settings  

• Press Win + I to open Settings 
• Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features) 
• Search for Epson Scan / Epson Scan 2 
• Select it and choose Open (if available) 

3. Check if the taskbar is set to auto-hide 

• Press Win + I > Personalization > Taskbar 
• Expand Taskbar behaviors 
• Turn Automatically hide the taskbar to Off 

4. Restart Windows Explorer  

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager 
• Find Windows Explorer 
• Right-click it and select Restart 

5. Repair Windows system files (if Start still doesn’t respond) 

• Run each command as administrator: sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
• Restart the PC and test Start again. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help you get the Start menu back and open Epson Scan so you can manage your scan settings as needed. Wishing you a smooth and efficient scanning experience on your Windows device. 

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Answer 2

On Windows 11, the Start button is the Windows icon on the taskbar (usually centered at the bottom of the screen). To open Start and then get to Epson scan options without clicking the icon, use the keyboard:

1. Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Start typing Epson to search for Epson Scan or Epson software.
3. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to move through the results and press Enter to open the Epson scan application.

If the Start menu is already open but not focused on search:

1. Press the Windows logo key again to close it, then press it once more to reopen.
2. Type the name of the Epson scan app, then use arrow keys and Enter to select it.

If the Start button is visible but cannot be clicked with the mouse, the keyboard method above still works because the Windows logo key directly opens Start.

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References:

• Navigate and explore the Windows taskbar