How to Fix Taskbar and Settings Not Working After Windows 11 Update

Recently, after installing the latest update released for Windows 11, many users have faced problems like Taskbar and Settings not working.

If you have just updated your Windows 11 PC and are facing the same problem, continue reading the article. In this article, we have discussed why the problem appears and what can be done to resolve the issue.

Why are Taskbar and Settings not working after the update?

The Taskbar, Settings, and Apps not working issue is generally faced by Windows Insiders. You may have enrolled your device to receive beta updates, which is why you’re facing trouble.

The updates released on the Beta and Dev channels usually contain bugs and glitches that may ruin your PC experience. These updates are designed for developers to find and fix the underlying issues in the operating system.

If you’re not a Windows Insider, corrupted system files or fewer RAM resources could be the reason for the Taskbar and Settings not working.

How to Fix Taskbar and Settings Not Working After Windows 11 Update?

Since you don’t know the reason for Taskbar and Settings not working after an update, you need to follow the troubleshooting methods we shared below.

1. Restart your Windows 11 PC

The very first step of every troubleshooting usually starts with a simple restart. Actually, restarting helps eliminate bugs and glitches that may be preventing the Taskbar and the Settings app from functioning.

Also, it’s a good idea to restart the PC at regular intervals to ensure smooth performance and stability.

It’s pretty easy to restart a Windows 11 PC; to do so, simply click on the Windows 11 Start button and click on Power Menu. On the Power Menu, select Restart.

2. Restart the Windows Explorer Process

Windows Explorer is the process responsible for handling various visual features of your PC. If it’s not working properly, you will have problems operating the Taskbar, Settings app, etc.

So, you can try restarting the Windows Explorer Process and see if it helps. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button on your keyboard. This will open the RUN dialog box.

2. Type in Taskmgr on the RUN dialog box and press Enter.

3. When the Task Manager opens, switch to the Processes tab.

4. Find and right click on the Windows Explorer process and select Restart.

That’s it! Now, your background will go black for a second. This indicates that Windows Explorer has been successfully restarted.

3. Roll Back Windows Updates

Since you are facing problems with the Taskbar and Settings app after installing the latest Windows 11 update, rolling back to the previous version may help. Here’s how to roll back Windows Updates.

1. Press the Windows key + I button to open the Settings app.

 

2. When the Settings app opens, switch to the System.

3. On the right side, click on Recovery.

4. On the Recovery Options section, click on Go back.

5. Now tell the reason why are you going back and click Next.

6. On the Check for Updates screen, click on No, Thanks.

7. On the Thanks for trying out this build screen, click on Go back to earlier build.

That’s it! This will roll back to the earlier build. The Taskbar and Settings app problem you’re facing will likely be fixed.

4. Run the SFC/DISM Commands

During the update installation, certain system files may get corrupted, leading to an issue with the Taskbar and Settings app not working.

You can rule out the corrupted system files issue by running the SFC/DISM commands on your Windows 11 PC. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Type in Command Prompt on the Windows 11 Search. Next, right click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute this given command:

sfc /scannow

3. If the SFC scan returns with an error, you need to execute these DISM commands one by one.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After executing these commands, restart your Windows 11 PC. This should fix the Taskbar and System not opening issue you’re facing.

5. Use the System Restore feature

The System Restore functionality of Windows 11 lets you roll back your device settings to a previous date. If you have a system restore point available, you can use it to roll back your device. This will undo all settings and roll back your device to the date when the Taskbar and Settings app is working fine.

It’s easy to perform a system restore on Windows 11. Follow the steps we’ve shared below.

1. Type in Recovery on the Windows 11 Search. Next, open the Recovery app from the list of best-match results.

2. On the Recovery screen, click on Open System Restore.

3. On the next screen, select Choose a different restore point.

4. Select a Restore point created on a date when the Windows 11 taskbar auto hide is working fine and click Next.

5. On the confirmation prompt, click Finish.

That’s it! This is how you can perform a system restore on your PC. After the system restore, check if your issue is solved.

6. Clean Boot Windows 11

The goal of performing a clean boot is to eliminate third-party app interference. Maybe the Taskbar and the Settings app isn’t working due to a third-party app.

Hence, it’s recommended to perform a clean boot and check if the issue still exists. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button on your keyboard. This will open the RUN dialog box. On the RUN dialog box, type msconfig and press Enter.

2. On the System Configuration utility, switch to the Services tab.

3. Next, check the ‘Hide All Microsoft Services’ and click Disable All.

4. Next, open Task Manager and switch to the Startup tab.

5. Right-click on the Startup problems that are enabled and select Disable.

6. Finally, click on Apply on the System Configuration utility and close it.

Now, restart your Windows 11 PC to boot into a clean environment. Check whether you can use the Taskbar, Settings, or any other apps.

7. Reset Windows 11 Settings

If nothing worked to resolve the Windows 11 Taskbar & Settings not working after the update, the only remaining option is to factory reset your PC. Make sure to back up your important files & folders before you reset your Windows 11 PC.

1. Press the Windows Key + I button to open the Settings. Next, switch to the Windows Update section.

2. On the Windows Update screen, click on Advanced Options.

3. On the additional options, click on Recovery.

4. Next, click the Reset PC button on the Reset this PC section.

5. On the Choose an option screen, select Keep my files.

6. On the next screen, select Cloud Download.

7. Finally, click the Reset button to start the process.

That’s it! Now, you need to wait until the Reset process is complete.

So, these are a few simple methods to fix Taskbar and Settings not working after the Windows 11 Update. Let us know in the comments below if you need more help on this topic. Also, if you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends.