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Windows 11 Build 22000.120 Taskbar and Start Menu Not Working? How to Fix These Major Issues

If you are using Windows 11 Build 22000.120 and find that your taskbar or Start menu is not responding, you are not alone. Many users have experienced these issues after updating or installing this build. These problems can disrupt your workflow and make it difficult to navigate your computer.

The good news is that there are several simple ways to fix these issues without needing advanced technical knowledge. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to get your taskbar and Start menu working again.

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why these problems occur. Often, they are caused by system bugs, corrupted files, or conflicts with running apps. Fixing them usually involves restarting services, running system tools, or updating the system.

Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to the troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes Microsoft releases quick fixes after an update. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple reboot can often fix temporary glitches affecting the taskbar or Start menu.
  • Ensure Your User Account is Not Corrupted: Log out and log back in or try creating a new user account to see if the problem persists.
  • Disconnect External Devices: Sometimes peripherals cause conflicts. Remove any extra hardware and check again.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer controls the taskbar and Start menu interface. Restarting it can refresh the system components responsible for these features.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, scroll down and find Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
  4. Your taskbar and desktop will briefly disappear and then reload, which often fixes minor glitches.

This step is safe and simple, and it often solves the problem without further action.

Step 2: Run the System File Checker Tool

Corrupted system files may cause the taskbar or Start menu to stop working properly. The System File Checker (SFC) scans for and repairs these files automatically.

  1. Click the Start button or press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow
  4. Wait patiently while the tool scans and repairs any corrupted files. This process may take several minutes.
  5. Once completed, restart your computer and check if the taskbar and Start menu are working.

This tool is important because it fixes protected Windows files that could be causing the problem.

Step 3: Use Windows PowerShell to Re-register the Start Menu

If the issue persists, re-registering the Start menu components can help by resetting related app packages.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click File > Run new task.
  3. Type powershell, check the box for Create this task with administrative privileges, then click OK.
  4. In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  5. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

This command re-installs and re-registers the Start menu and other default Windows apps, which can resolve deeper software issues.

Step 4: Check for Conflicting Startup Applications

Sometimes third-party software interferes with Windows components like the taskbar and Start menu. Disabling these apps temporarily can help identify the culprit.

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Go to the Startup tab.
  3. Review the list and disable non-essential apps by selecting them and clicking Disable.
  4. Restart your computer and see if the taskbar and Start menu work correctly.

If this fixes the issue, enable apps one by one to find which one causes the problem.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

If your current user profile is corrupted, creating a new account can help verify this. The taskbar and Start menu should work correctly in a new profile.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add account under Other users.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account without a Microsoft account (choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and then Add a user without a Microsoft account).
  5. Log out of your current account and sign in to the new user.
  6. Check if the taskbar and Start menu work properly here.

If the new account works fine, the issue is likely with your original user profile.

FAQs

Why does my taskbar or Start menu stop working after an update?

Updates sometimes introduce bugs or conflicts with existing software, causing these features to malfunction. Microsoft usually releases patches quickly, so keeping your system updated is important.

Is it safe to restart Windows Explorer?

Yes, restarting Windows Explorer is safe and often fixes minor graphical glitches without affecting your files or settings.

Will running the System File Checker delete my files?

No, SFC only scans and repairs protected system files. Your personal data remains untouched.

What if re-registering the Start menu doesn’t work?

Try running the PowerShell command again, or consider creating a new user profile as a deeper fix.

Can third-party apps cause these problems?

Yes, some startup programs or utilities can interfere with Windows components. Disabling them temporarily can help diagnose the issue.

Should I reset or reinstall Windows if nothing else works?

Resetting Windows or performing a clean install is a last resort when other troubleshooting steps fail.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above methods and the taskbar or Start menu still does not function, consider these final steps:

  • Reset Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose to keep your files if prompted.
  • Use the Microsoft Support Website: Visit Microsoft Support for official guides and help.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Get direct assistance if the problem persists beyond common fixes.

Conclusion

Taskbar and Start menu issues in Windows 11 Build 22000.120 are frustrating but usually solvable with simple troubleshooting steps. Starting from restarting Windows Explorer to running system scans and re-registering components can quickly restore normal functionality. Checking for software conflicts and creating a new user account helps identify deeper problems. If all else fails, resetting Windows or contacting Microsoft support are reliable last resorts.

By following this guide carefully, you can regain full control of your Windows 11 desktop environment without losing your important data or spending hours on complicated fixes.

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