Latest update caused the Start menu and System window to stop working

Question

Alienware M18 R2 laptop in original condition. As the title says, but the search bar works. Every time the computer is started I get a OOBEsystem (not sure what exactly came after OOBE) message and the "try again" does not work. I tried everything on https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5657217/after-windows-11-update-start-menu-does-not-work-r with zero effect. The "sfc /scannow" command finds zero errors. The "StartMenuExperienceHost.exe" statement does not exist in the Task Manager. The command "Stop-Process -Name "StartMenuExperienceHost" -force gets an error message and cannot be found. I attempted everything as listed without resolving the issue. I then performed a Windows Recovery while saving "My Files". It didn't resolve the issue. I recovered windows as a factory setup, total wipe of all drives. It didn't resolve the issue. Before and after each reloading of windows I performed all the fixes mentioned with no avail. The recovering of windows will not work without an internet connection, I had to hard wire the laptop to the router just to get it this far. I am absolutely out of ideas, but my assumption is that something in the latest update has caused some files to be incompatible with my computer. I checked the laptop BIOS and all updates have been successful, the last BIOS update was on 2-25-25.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Sincerely,

M.Field

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

Since you have done most of the troubleshooting steps and are still having an issue, I recommend running a custom installation to fix the issue. However, the process will delete all apps, but will retain all files on the PC, if you are okay with that, you may follow the steps provided below:

 

We need another PC and a USB drive of at least 8GB, and make sure there are no files inside, as it will reformat the USB. Once you have that, kindly follow the steps:

 

To Create Installation Media:

 

Go to the Windows 11 website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

 

Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), select Create Windows 11 Installation Media.

 

-After downloading, run the media creation tool. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.

-If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.

-On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

-Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit) for Windows 11.

-Select USB.

 

To do a custom installation:

Once done downloading Windows 11 to the USB, kindly follow the steps from the link below:

 

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/custom-install-windows-11.13926/

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

You are always welcome, and I'm glad it is now all good.

Answer 3

You are always welcome, and I'm glad it is now all good.