Start Button, Start Combos, and Settings not opening or working correctly

Question

Start Button, Start Combos, and Settings not opening or working correctly

Natalie Gomez 20

OS: Windows 11 Home, Version 10.0.26200

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750HF CPU @ 2.60GHz

Having this issue as of yesterday where clicking the start button will not populate the start menu. I can right click the menu and get some of the options, but not full functionality. Additionally, I cannot get into the settings menu at all. At all. Solutions must not involve going into settings--I cannot get in.

I have tried running the file checker, which resolved corrupted files but did not resolve either issue. I've considered reinstalling windows, but losing my files is a no go.

Answer accepted by question author

2 additional answers

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Answer 1

Norah-L 4,110 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Welcome Natalie Gomez!

Thank you for reaching out to the Q&A forum.

From what you described, the Start menu and Settings app are not working or opening properly. Since you’re unable to access Settings, you can’t proceed with any solutions that require it.

As the issue began just yesterday, it’s likely related to a recent update. To verify this, please follow the steps below:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Task Manager
Click File > Run new task
Type cmd
Check Create this task with administrative privileges > OK
Run this command: wmic qfe list brief /format:table

Then please take a screenshot of the KB list and share it here. For your privacy and security, make sure to hide any personal or sensitive information before posting.

I look forward to your response so we could determine the best next steps!

Best regards.

Ian-T 7,630 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-05T09:14:11.3233333+00:00

Hi Natalie Gomez

I’m following up to check on the status of this issue.

Have you had an opportunity to review the answer shared earlier?

Any update you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Natalie Gomez 20 Reputation points

2026-03-06T01:29:48.28+00:00

Hi there! I was able to resolve the issue by uninstalling a tester/beta update that had been recently installed.
Ian-T 7,630 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-06T02:03:12.2666667+00:00

Hi Natalie Gomez
That's great to hear from you, I'm glad that things are working well on your end.

Wishing you a great day and thank you for taking your time on this matter with us.
Sara Waqqas 0 Reputation points

2026-03-06T02:29:00.22+00:00

Hi Natalie! I was searching as I also had this issue recently and saw you resolve it by uninstalling a tester/beta update. Do you mind sharing how you were able to do that? Thanks so much! <3
Norah-L 4,110 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-09T00:16:15.43+00:00
Hi Sara!

You can try this method:

Open Command Prompt (run as administrator)

Run the following command: wusa /uninstall /kb:number(Replace number with the actual KB number (for example: wusa /uninstall /kb:5077241)

Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Hope this helps. I'm here if you need further support!

Sincerely.

Answer 2

If you are unable to access the Settings app, you are blocked from most 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 will 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

Answer 3

Follow these steps in order, avoiding Settings entirely:

Check for known Start menu issues with this build
Start menu failures can be caused by specific Windows updates. First, confirm whether the issue started right after a Windows Update. If so, and if the device is on a preview or recent cumulative update, install the latest cumulative update available for the OS build from Windows Update when possible, as Microsoft has fixed several Start-related regressions in later updates. If Windows Update is not accessible via Settings, use other methods (like installation media or an in-place repair) in step 4.
Verify and re-register the Start menu package (non-elevated PowerShell)
a. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
b. Select Run new task (File → Run new task).
c. Type powershell and do not check “Create this task with administrative privileges” (run it non-elevated).
d. In the PowerShell window, run:
```
   Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost
```
- If this returns details, the package is registered for the current user.
- If it returns nothing, check if the package exists for any user by opening an elevated PowerShell (Task Manager → Run new task → powershell with “Create this task with administrative privileges” checked) and running:
```
   Get-AppxPackage *StartMenu* -AllUsers
```
If app details are returned, the package exists on the machine. e. Still in a non-elevated PowerShell window, re-register the Start menu package:
```
   Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\AppxManifest.xml" -Register -DisableDevelopmentMode
```
f. Sign out and sign back in, then test the Start button and Windows key.
Run basic Start menu troubleshooting checks
If re-registering does not help:
- Confirm there were no recent changes to registry keys or folders related to the shell or Start menu.
- Confirm there were no recent Group Policy or MDM policy changes that might restrict access to Start-related folders or registry keys, especially if the device is managed. Policies intended for older Windows versions can break Start behavior.
Repair apps and system without using Settings UI
Since Settings does not open, use system repair options instead of app-level repair:
- Run sfc /scannow again from an elevated Command Prompt to ensure integrity.
- If issues persist, perform an in-place repair/“repair install” of Windows 11 using installation media that matches or is newer than the current build. This keeps personal files and most apps while reinstalling system components, including Start and Settings. (Use the standard Windows repair-install process from official media.)
If Start still fails after repair
At that point, treat it as a deeper Start/XAML shell issue. For enterprise/managed environments on newer builds, check current Windows release health and known issues for Start menu and XAML-dependent apps, and apply any documented workarounds (such as Known Issue Rollback policies) that match the OS version.

These steps avoid using the Settings app directly and focus on restoring the Start menu package and repairing the Windows shell while preserving files.

References:

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Start Button, Start Combos, and Settings not opening or working correctly

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