Are there any Windows 10 wizards among us, please?

About a week ago, i turned on my PC, and found that i could not bring up the pop-up menu that appears when you click on the little Windows symbol in the bottom left corner of the screen. Nothing happens.

Nor can i use the ‘Type here to search’ box next to that Windows symbol.

Nothing that i can think of seems to be able to restore those things to me. I would go as far as re-installing Windows 10, but the ability to do that seems to be predicated on the ability to gain access to ‘Settings’ via the very pop-up menu to which i no longer have access.

I have not, consciously, done anything to cause these glitches. There may be a very simple fix to it all, but it eludes me.

Does anyone have any ideas for it, please.

When you right click on the taskbar, don’t you have a Taskbar Settings option?

tell me you tried a reboot

Bubblecar said:

When you right click on the taskbar, don’t you have a Taskbar Settings option?

Yes, the menu that pops up does, indeed, have a Taskbar Settings option shown, but when i left-click on it, nothing happens except that the menu disappears.

It just occurred to me: could this be a problem withthe mouse?

transition said:

tell me you tried a reboot

‘A reboot’ does not necessarily mean what it did in the good old days.

Can you please specify?

captain_spalding said:

transition said:

tell me you tried a reboot

‘A reboot’ does not necessarily mean what it did in the good old days.

Can you please specify?

He means turn it off and turn it on again.

captain_spalding said:

Bubblecar said:

When you right click on the taskbar, don’t you have a Taskbar Settings option?

Yes, the menu that pops up does, indeed, have a Taskbar Settings option shown, but when i left-click on it, nothing happens except that the menu disappears.

It just occurred to me: could this be a problem withthe mouse?

Do you have another mouse to try?

Bubblecar said:

captain_spalding said:

transition said:

tell me you tried a reboot

‘A reboot’ does not necessarily mean what it did in the good old days.

Can you please specify?

He means turn it off and turn it on again.

Of course.

Oh, yes, many a time.

Seems that it’s not likely to be the mouse. I had a new, unused mouse here, in its original sealed packaging. It makes no difference.

captain_spalding said:

Bubblecar said:

captain_spalding said:

‘A reboot’ does not necessarily mean what it did in the good old days.

Can you please specify?

He means turn it off and turn it on again.

Of course.

Oh, yes, many a time.

Seems that it’s not likely to be the mouse. I had a new, unused mouse here, in its original sealed packaging. It makes no difference.

It’s an odd sort of problem. Woodie is usually good at sorting these things :)

He’s bound to peep in again before too long.

check for updates and if there are any, apply them

win key + I will open the control panel

Try this:

…pressing the Windows key + I, selecting Personalization, then Taskbar, and then unchecking the box for “Automatically hide the taskbar”.

Bubblecar said:

Try this:

…pressing the Windows key + I, selecting Personalization, then Taskbar, and then unchecking the box for “Automatically hide the taskbar”.

I take that to mean the Win key and the letter ‘I’ key. Which, i’m afraid, has no effect.

A quick Google produced a query from someone with a similar problem, and this suggestion:

Please try the following methods below.

‘**Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Select the Processes tab.

Scroll down and look for Windows Explorer

Right click then select Restart.’

I see no Windows Explorer in my Task Manager. Could this be it?

you could do Win + R

type in msconfig and enter, try various from what’s offered

I found Windows Explorer.

Restarting it has not helped.

captain_spalding said:

Bubblecar said:

Try this:

…pressing the Windows key + I, selecting Personalization, then Taskbar, and then unchecking the box for “Automatically hide the taskbar”.

I take that to mean the Win key and the letter ‘I’ key. Which, i’m afraid, has no effect.

A quick Google produced a query from someone with a similar problem, and this suggestion:

Please try the following methods below.

‘**Restart Windows Explorer

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Select the Processes tab.

Scroll down and look for Windows Explorer

Right click then select Restart.’

I see no Windows Explorer in my Task Manager. Could this be it?

Should be there right down the bottom.

If it isn’t, there’s something wrong. But you know that….

Don’t turn it off then on again, do a regular reboot from the menu.
A power-off then on again retains all the data & stuff from the previous session, a reboot dumps all that and starts afresh.

Spiny Norman said:

Don’t turn it off then on again, do a regular reboot from the menu.
A power-off then on again retains all the data & stuff from the previous session, a reboot dumps all that and starts afresh.

I don’t think he can access the menu.

AI Overview says:

If your Windows Start menu disappears when you click on it, it’s likely due to a corrupted system file, a problem with the Start Menu ExperienceHost process, or a conflict with a recently installed application or update. A restart is often the first step, but more advanced troubleshooting might be needed if that doesn’t resolve the issue.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
New Windows 11 update is making the Start menu disappear for …
1. Restart your computer: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches, including those affecting the Start menu. This is often the first and easiest step to try.
2. Restart the Start Menu ExperienceHost process: Windows 10 and 11 use a process called StartMenuExperienceHost.exe to manage the Start menu. Restarting this process can resolve various issues. You can do this by: Opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), Finding the StartMenuExperienceHost.exe process, and Right-clicking it and selecting “Restart.
3. Check for Corrupted Files:
System File Checker (SFC) scan:
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This command scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
DISM tool:
If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, use the DISM tool. In Command Prompt (as administrator), type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Rebuilding the index:
Corrupted search indexes can sometimes cause Start menu issues. Try rebuilding the index through the Windows search settings.
4. Update Drivers: Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can sometimes cause display issues, including problems with the Start menu. Update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Check for Conflicting Applications:
Start in Safe Mode:
Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, a recently installed application is likely the culprit.
Disable Startup Items:
Use msconfig to selectively disable startup items and see if the problem goes away.
Uninstall Recent Updates:
If the issue started after a Windows update, consider uninstalling that update to see if it resolves the problem.
6. Other potential solutions:
Create a new user account:
If the issue is specific to your user profile, creating a new user account might be necessary.
Restore or reinstall Windows:
As a last resort, you can try restoring your system to a previous point or reinstalling Windows.

Bubblecar said:

AI Overview says:

If your Windows Start menu disappears when you click on it, it’s likely due to a corrupted system file, a problem with the Start Menu ExperienceHost process, or a conflict with a recently installed application or update. A restart is often the first step, but more advanced troubleshooting might be needed if that doesn’t resolve the issue.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
New Windows 11 update is making the Start menu disappear for …
1. Restart your computer: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches, including those affecting the Start menu. This is often the first and easiest step to try.
2. Restart the Start Menu ExperienceHost process: Windows 10 and 11 use a process called StartMenuExperienceHost.exe to manage the Start menu. Restarting this process can resolve various issues. You can do this by: Opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), Finding the StartMenuExperienceHost.exe process, and Right-clicking it and selecting “Restart.
3. Check for Corrupted Files:
System File Checker (SFC) scan:
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This command scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
DISM tool:
If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, use the DISM tool. In Command Prompt (as administrator), type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Rebuilding the index:
Corrupted search indexes can sometimes cause Start menu issues. Try rebuilding the index through the Windows search settings.
4. Update Drivers: Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can sometimes cause display issues, including problems with the Start menu. Update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Check for Conflicting Applications:
Start in Safe Mode:
Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, a recently installed application is likely the culprit.
Disable Startup Items:
Use msconfig to selectively disable startup items and see if the problem goes away.
Uninstall Recent Updates:
If the issue started after a Windows update, consider uninstalling that update to see if it resolves the problem.
6. Other potential solutions:
Create a new user account:
If the issue is specific to your user profile, creating a new user account might be necessary.
Restore or reinstall Windows:
As a last resort, you can try restoring your system to a previous point or reinstalling Windows.

Point 2, above, might help.

Bubblecar said:

Spiny Norman said:

Don’t turn it off then on again, do a regular reboot from the menu.
A power-off then on again retains all the data & stuff from the previous session, a reboot dumps all that and starts afresh.

I don’t think he can access the menu.

A CTRL+ALT+DEL will bring up a blue screen menu. Usually you go for the Task Manager option but down in the lower-right of the screen is the power options. There should be a reboot option there.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

AI Overview says:

If your Windows Start menu disappears when you click on it, it’s likely due to a corrupted system file, a problem with the Start Menu ExperienceHost process, or a conflict with a recently installed application or update. A restart is often the first step, but more advanced troubleshooting might be needed if that doesn’t resolve the issue.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
New Windows 11 update is making the Start menu disappear for …
1. Restart your computer: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches, including those affecting the Start menu. This is often the first and easiest step to try.
2. Restart the Start Menu ExperienceHost process: Windows 10 and 11 use a process called StartMenuExperienceHost.exe to manage the Start menu. Restarting this process can resolve various issues. You can do this by: Opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), Finding the StartMenuExperienceHost.exe process, and Right-clicking it and selecting “Restart.
3. Check for Corrupted Files:
System File Checker (SFC) scan:
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This command scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
DISM tool:
If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, use the DISM tool. In Command Prompt (as administrator), type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Rebuilding the index:
Corrupted search indexes can sometimes cause Start menu issues. Try rebuilding the index through the Windows search settings.
4. Update Drivers: Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can sometimes cause display issues, including problems with the Start menu. Update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Check for Conflicting Applications:
Start in Safe Mode:
Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, a recently installed application is likely the culprit.
Disable Startup Items:
Use msconfig to selectively disable startup items and see if the problem goes away.
Uninstall Recent Updates:
If the issue started after a Windows update, consider uninstalling that update to see if it resolves the problem.
6. Other potential solutions:
Create a new user account:
If the issue is specific to your user profile, creating a new user account might be necessary.
Restore or reinstall Windows:
As a last resort, you can try restoring your system to a previous point or reinstalling Windows.

Point 2, above, might help.

Thanks for the suggestion, but i’m unable to locate StartMenuExperienceHost.exe anywhere in my task manager displays.

captain_spalding said:

I have not, consciously, done anything to cause these glitches. There may be a very simple fix to it all, but it eludes me.

Does anyone have any ideas for it, please.

Do you have access to sacrificial gerbels, by any chance?

But mostly, my advice is DON’T FUCKIN’PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and don’t do anything radical for now. Don’t reset to factory settings or try to re-install windows or purge all gerbil related files or anything like that. This is a common and easy-fixed thing.

Good Luck,

This is a common-glitch type thing,

Bubblecar said:

AI Overview says:

Stops reading

Well, i thank you all for your efforts, but i think that we can leave it go overnight, and perhaps look at it afresh tomorrow.

Thanks again.

captain_spalding said:

Well, i thank you all for your efforts, but i think that we can leave it go overnight, and perhaps look at it afresh tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Good luck tomorrow.

captain_spalding said:

Are there any Windows 10 wizards among us, please?

About a week ago, i turned on my PC, and found that i could not bring up the pop-up menu that appears when you click on the little Windows symbol in the bottom left corner of the screen. Nothing happens.

Nor can i use the ‘Type here to search’ box next to that Windows symbol.

Nothing that i can think of seems to be able to restore those things to me. I would go as far as re-installing Windows 10, but the ability to do that seems to be predicated on the ability to gain access to ‘Settings’ via the very pop-up menu to which i no longer have access.

I have not, consciously, done anything to cause these glitches. There may be a very simple fix to it all, but it eludes me.

Does anyone have any ideas for it, please.

I am not a wizard. It hasn’t decided it wants a double click has it? That seems to randomly happen to things sometimes. Also, I find at times it is quite slow to open up. To the point I’ll think I must have misclicked and I click a second time. At which point it wakes up, flicks up the stuff I am after and promptly closes it again. But after that it is back to normal. It’s like sometimes I catch it napping.

captain_spalding said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

AI Overview says:

If your Windows Start menu disappears when you click on it, it’s likely due to a corrupted system file, a problem with the Start Menu ExperienceHost process, or a conflict with a recently installed application or update. A restart is often the first step, but more advanced troubleshooting might be needed if that doesn’t resolve the issue.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of potential causes and solutions:
New Windows 11 update is making the Start menu disappear for …
1. Restart your computer: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches, including those affecting the Start menu. This is often the first and easiest step to try.
2. Restart the Start Menu ExperienceHost process: Windows 10 and 11 use a process called StartMenuExperienceHost.exe to manage the Start menu. Restarting this process can resolve various issues. You can do this by: Opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), Finding the StartMenuExperienceHost.exe process, and Right-clicking it and selecting “Restart.
3. Check for Corrupted Files:
System File Checker (SFC) scan:
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This command scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
DISM tool:
If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, use the DISM tool. In Command Prompt (as administrator), type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Rebuilding the index:
Corrupted search indexes can sometimes cause Start menu issues. Try rebuilding the index through the Windows search settings.
4. Update Drivers: Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can sometimes cause display issues, including problems with the Start menu. Update your graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Check for Conflicting Applications:
Start in Safe Mode:
Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, a recently installed application is likely the culprit.
Disable Startup Items:
Use msconfig to selectively disable startup items and see if the problem goes away.
Uninstall Recent Updates:
If the issue started after a Windows update, consider uninstalling that update to see if it resolves the problem.
6. Other potential solutions:
Create a new user account:
If the issue is specific to your user profile, creating a new user account might be necessary.
Restore or reinstall Windows:
As a last resort, you can try restoring your system to a previous point or reinstalling Windows.

Point 2, above, might help.

Thanks for the suggestion, but i’m unable to locate StartMenuExperienceHost.exe anywhere in my task manager displays.

My money is on 3

3. Check for Corrupted Files:
System File Checker (SFC) scan:
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This command scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
DISM tool:
If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, use the DISM tool. In Command Prompt (as administrator), type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Rebuilding the index:
Corrupted search indexes can sometimes cause Start menu issues. Try rebuilding the index through the Windows search settings.

But, like, don’t trust an AI generated answer. Go looking on the interwebs for some good advice on how to deal with corrupted files in Windows,

buffy said:

captain_spalding said:

Are there any Windows 10 wizards among us, please?

About a week ago, i turned on my PC, and found that i could not bring up the pop-up menu that appears when you click on the little Windows symbol in the bottom left corner of the screen. Nothing happens.

Nor can i use the ‘Type here to search’ box next to that Windows symbol.

Nothing that i can think of seems to be able to restore those things to me. I would go as far as re-installing Windows 10, but the ability to do that seems to be predicated on the ability to gain access to ‘Settings’ via the very pop-up menu to which i no longer have access.

I have not, consciously, done anything to cause these glitches. There may be a very simple fix to it all, but it eludes me.

Does anyone have any ideas for it, please.

I am not a wizard. It hasn’t decided it wants a double click has it? That seems to randomly happen to things sometimes. Also, I find at times it is quite slow to open up. To the point I’ll think I must have misclicked and I click a second time. At which point it wakes up, flicks up the stuff I am after and promptly closes it again. But after that it is back to normal. It’s like sometimes I catch it napping.

Oh, and does the relevent key on the keyboard work?

Throw it out the window, the problem will go away.

Has this problem been resolved?

It’s a worry when bits fall off your os.

Bubblecar said:

Has this problem been resolved?

Has your computer started behaving itself?

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Has this problem been resolved?

Has your computer started behaving itself?

Nah.

Still got a couple of tricks to try, but i currently lack the motivation.

captain_spalding said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Has this problem been resolved?

Has your computer started behaving itself?

Nah.

Still got a couple of tricks to try, but i currently lack the motivation.

Bugger.

When you sort it, could you let me know how?

I’m interested.