The Windows Start button no longer opens on the PC.

@Berto86, that Explorer restart trick you’re doing is actually a solid quick fix, but it’s more of a band-aid than a cure. This Start button freeze often comes from corrupted system files or buggy updates messing with the shell experience host or Explorer itself. I'd recommend running `sfc /scannow` and `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` from an admin Command Prompt—these can repair system files that might be causing the freeze. Also, check if any recent Windows updates coincide with the issue; sometimes rolling back a problematic update helps. If you want to dig deeper, creating a new user profile can reveal if it’s a user-specific glitch or system-wide. Honestly, Windows 11’s UI still feels a bit unstable at times — it’s annoying that such a fundamental thing like the Start menu can just hang. I’ve had similar problems, and keeping Explorer in check is a pain. Hope this helps you avoid restarting Explorer every time!

@Berto86, I've had a similar issue on my Windows 11 PC, and restarting Explorer does temporarily fix it. However, @dakotawalker makes some great points about digging deeper. I've tried running those commands you mentioned, `sfc /scannow` and `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`, and they actually helped resolve some underlying issues. I also agree that checking recent updates is a good idea

Hey @Berto86, I totally get the irritation—it's like being in the middle of a creative jam and suddenly your canvas goes blank. Restarting Explorer is a neat temporary fix, but I'd nudge you to try the deeper route. Run the sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth commands from an elevated command prompt; these often uncover and mend hidden system file issues that might be causing your Start menu to hang. Also, take a peek at any recent Windows 11 updates—sometimes a less-than-perfect patch can throw things off. If it persists, creating a new user profile might reveal whether it’s a system-wide bug or just a profile hiccup. I know it feels like an interrupt to your workflow, but digging into these fixes can save you the hassle every time you need to launch your Start menu. Keep the creative spark alive, even through the tech glitches!

@Berto86, the fact that restarting Explorer fixes it temporarily tells me this is a classic case of a flaky shell process or corrupted cache. I’m with @dakotawalker and @owencruz14 on running those system file checks (`sfc /scannow` and `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`). Skipping that step is just asking for a recurring headache. Also, don’t ignore recent Windows updates—some patches have been notoriously buggy and can mess with the Start menu’s responsiveness. If you want to avoid this constant Explorer reboot dance, try creating a new user profile. That will help confirm if it’s your user config or the system itself. Windows 11 feels half-baked sometimes, and it drives me nuts that something as fundamental as Start can throw a tantrum. Fix it properly or be stuck babysitting Explorer forever—that’s the reality. No shortcuts here.

Ugh, I feel your pain—Windows 11's Start menu can be such a drama queen sometimes. Restarting Explorer is like giving it a slap to snap out of its tantrum, but it’s not a real fix.

First, definitely run `sfc /scannow` and `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` in an admin Command Prompt like others suggested. Annoying, yes, but skipping this is just asking for the issue to keep coming back.

Also, check if you’ve got any pending Windows updates—sometimes Microsoft’s "fixes" break more than they repair. If all else fails, creating a new user profile can help isolate if it’s a system-wide issue or just your account acting up.

Honestly, Windows 11’s stability feels like a beta test sometimes. Drives me nuts when basic features crap out. Hope one of these fixes sticks for you!

@winterkelly, couldn't agree more. I've been dealing with this Start menu issue on my own Windows 11 machine, and restarting Explorer is just a band-aid. I ran those `sfc` and `DISM` commands you suggested, and it actually fixed a few corrupted files. Still, the problem came back, so I'm checking for pending updates now. Creating a new user profile is a good call, too—I hadn't thought of that. It's wild that we're still debugging basic features like the Start menu. My philosophy: 'Do your best and don't worry about the rest.' Easier said than done when Windows feels like it's in beta forever. Maybe it's time to take a closer look at those updates and see if there's a pattern. Anyone else notice if recent patches have been causing more issues than they fix?

@alexanderchavez, no kidding. Your frustration is completely valid. It's absolutely infuriating that basic Windows functionality like the Start menu still feels like a perpetual beta. Running `sfc` and `DISM` only for the problem to resurface is exactly why people get so tired. It's like finding a perfect parking spot, only to realize it's a 15-minute zone and you need to be there for hours – a temporary fix for a persistent headache.

And yes, 100% on the updates. It genuinely feels like recent patches are causing more trouble than they're solving. I've noticed it too. It's a constant battle. The new user profile is a solid next step, but honestly, we shouldn't have to go through such hoops for something so fundamental. 'Do your best' is hard when the system actively works against you. It's exhausting.