How to Fix Windows 11 Unresponsive Start Menu, Taskbar, and File Explorer Issues

2024/05/13

Key Notes

Restarting your computer is often the simplest fix.
Adjusting the date and time may resolve unresponsiveness issues.
Consider uninstalling recent updates that might be causing the issues.

How to Fix Unresponsive Start Menu, Taskbar, and Explorer in Windows 11

Experiencing slow or unresponsive features like the Start Menu and Taskbar on your Windows 11 PC? This guide offers essential troubleshooting steps to restore functionality after recent updates.

Steps to Fix the Issues

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

A quick reboot can often resolve unexpected performance issues. Follow these steps:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with admin rights.
In the Command Prompt, enter the command: reg delete HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\IrisService /f && shutdown -r -t 0 and press Enter.

Pro Tip: Ensure to save your work before executing the shutdown command, as your PC will restart immediately.

Step 2: Adjust Date and Time Settings

Some users have resolved unresponsive features by manually adjusting their system clock. Here’s how to do it:

Right-click the time display on the taskbar and select Adjust date & time.
Turn off Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
Click the Change button next to the Set the date and time manually option.
Advance the current time by 24 hours.
Close the settings window and restart your PC.

Pro Tip: After adjustment, don’t forget to re-enable automatic time settings and hit Sync now for optimal performance.

Step 3: Uninstall Recent Cumulative Updates

If problems persist, you might want to roll back recent updates. Follow these instructions:

Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
Select View installed updates on the left pane.
Locate the most recent cumulative update (beginning with KB), right-click it, and select Uninstall.
Accept confirmation to proceed with the uninstallation, which will require a reboot of your PC.

Additional Tips

Always check for the latest updates directly from Microsoft.
Consider performing a System Restore to revert to a stable state if problems continue.
Keep your device clean from unnecessary files and folders to enhance performance.

Summary

In summary, if you encounter unresponsive features in Windows 11, restarting, adjusting date and time settings, or uninstalling recent cumulative updates can often resolve these frustrating issues. Implement these steps to restore full functionality to your PC.

Conclusion

If you face persistent issues with the Start Menu, Taskbar, or Explorer in Windows 11, do not hesitate to revisit these troubleshooting methods. With careful adjustments and updates, your system should return to smooth operation.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What causes the Start Menu to become unresponsive in Windows 11?

Recent updates can sometimes introduce bugs, leading to performance issues with the Start Menu, Taskbar, and Explorer.

Can I fix the Taskbar without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, you can typically resolve Taskbar issues by following the outlined troubleshooting steps, such as restarting the PC and updating settings.