Having trouble opening the Windows Start button? Let’s troubleshoot this common issue together.
Restart Windows Explorer
If you are experiencing issues with opening the Windows Start button, restarting Windows Explorer may help resolve the problem. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window, locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
3. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart from the menu.
4. Wait for Windows Explorer to restart, and then try opening the Windows Start button again.
Restarting Windows Explorer can often fix issues related to the Start button not opening. If you continue to experience problems, you may need to further troubleshoot the issue or seek additional assistance.
Repair Corrupt System Files
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by pressing Windows + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin). |
| 2 | Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow |
| 3 | Wait for the System File Checker tool to scan and repair any corrupt system files. This process may take some time. |
| 4 | Once the process is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue with the Windows Start Button has been resolved. |
If the above steps do not fix the issue, you may need to consider other troubleshooting options or seek assistance from a professional.
Update or Reset Windows
- Check for Windows Updates:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Check for updates and install any pending updates.
- Perform a Windows Update Reset:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Scroll down and click on Windows Update.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Click on Reset to reset Windows Update components.
Improve System Performance
First, try restarting your computer to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes a simple reboot can fix minor glitches in the system.
If restarting does not work, you can try running a malware scan to check for any malicious software that may be causing the problem. Use your preferred antivirus software to scan your computer thoroughly.
Another option is to check for Windows updates and make sure your operating system is up to date. Sometimes outdated software can cause compatibility issues that affect system performance.
If the problem persists, you can check for corrupted system files by using the System File Checker tool. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” to scan and repair any corrupted files.
Additionally, you can disable startup programs that may be slowing down your system. Open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab to see which programs are set to launch at startup. Disable any unnecessary programs to improve system performance.
If none of these solutions work, you may need to reset your PC to factory settings. This will restore your computer to its original state and may fix any underlying issues causing the problem with the Windows Start button.
F.A.Qs
Why can’t I open my Windows button?
It seems like you might not be able to open your Windows button because it has been disabled by Windows, locked by your keyboard, or affected by malware/virus.
How do I fix Windows not opening?
To fix Windows not opening, you can start the system with the installation media for the installed version of Windows, then select “Repair your computer” on the Install Windows screen. From there, choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Startup Repair” on the Advanced options screen.
How do I fix Windows start not opening?
To fix Windows start not opening, you can try signing out and signing back into your account, restarting Windows Explorer, running an SFC scan for corrupt system files, using the DISM tool, checking for Windows updates, and creating new Xaml Start Menu values in the Registry.
How do I reactivate my Windows button?
To reactivate your Windows button, check if your keyboard has a “gaming mode” and turn it off if it is on. Some gaming keyboards have a specific switch or key combination to enable the Windows key.
