Windows 11 Settings and quick settings aren't working

Question

I recently updated my computer and now the quick settings (like my wifi and sound options on the bottom right) just don't open when I click on it. When I open up the settings app, it closes almost instantly. I'm still connected to the wifi though. I've been trying to fix this for hours and nothings working, please help! I tried doing what someone suggested from reddit {https://www.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/comments/1ri4owy/windows_11_settings_and_quick_settings_arent/} and even the sfc /scannow still doesn't work.

I'm really not good at this and this is the first time I encountered something like this. I would really appreciate if you responded to this. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There's no need to wait. If the issue persists even when starting in Safe Mode, it indicates that the problem lies within the system itself rather than being caused by conflicts with third-party software.

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Since the problem started after an update, something happened during the update installation that caused this issue. Therefore, I suggest using System Restore and applying a restore point created before the update installation.

1. Press "Windows + R", type RStrui and press Enter;
2. In the "Restore System Files and Settings" window, select "Next".

Note: If on this screen you have two options to choose from ("Recommended restore" and "Choose a different restore point"), see if the "Recommended restore" is from before the update. If so, select "Search affected programs" and proceed as in step 4. Or select "Choose a different restore point" to see the list of available restore points and proceed to Step 3.

3. Select the restore point you want to use from the list of results, then select "Search affected programs".

Note: If you don't see the restore point you want, check "Show more restore points".

4. You will see a list of items that will be deleted if this restore point is performed. If you are satisfied with the exclusions, select Close > Next > Finish.

Then, wait for the procedure to finish. Your computer will restart.

Windows will restart to apply the chosen restore point. After Windows starts, see if the problem is fixed.

Note: System Restore does not affect your documents, images, or other personal data.

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See if the problems are resolved after applying the restore point. If they are resolved, try installing the update again and see if the problem returns or if everything continues to work as expected.

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Please let me know the result.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Answer 2

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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I've seen many users with similar reports to yours.

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Please, see if the same behavior occurs if you start Windows in Safe Mode.

1. Press "Ctrl + Alt + Del" to open the security screen. Select the "Power" icon in the bottom-right corner. While holding down the "Shift" key, click "Restart". Your PC will boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
2. On the Choose an option screen, select "Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart";
3. After your device restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select option 4 from the list or press F4 for Safe Mode.

You don't have to run Windows in Safe Mode forever. This is just a test to help isolate the source of the problem.

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Let me know the result.

Answer 3

The behavior matches a broken Settings/quick settings (immersive control panel) installation. Re‑registering the Settings app and built‑in apps via PowerShell has been reported to fix similar issues.

Follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator
   1. Press Windows key + X.
   2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Re‑register the Settings app Run this command (copy–paste, then press Enter):

      Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}
   

3. Re‑register all built‑in apps After the first command finishes (ignore red errors), run:

      Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
   

4. Restart the PC After both commands complete, restart the computer and test:
   • Open Settings (for example with Windows + I).
   • Click the quick settings area (network/sound/battery) to see if it opens.

If Settings opens after this, use it normally again (for example, to manage apps or run troubleshooters). If the issue persists, a repair/reset of Windows may be needed, but this PowerShell re‑registration resolves the problem in many cases.

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References:

• Network settings crash settings app, wifi and Ethernet not working or appearing - Microsoft Q&A
• Exploring Windows Settings
• Understand and explore Windows Settings