Broken windows kinda

Alex Morse 0 Reputation points
2026-11-05T08:38:55.69+00:00

I cant alt tab whatsoever, my windows key does nothing, clicking on the windows icon on the task bar does nothing, i cant open settings, i cant search for apps, and i cant windows tab. I have restarted explorer and restarted computer, and tried everything i can to fix it but nothing is working. Also i cant right click on apps on the taskbar

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-11-05T08:39:59.3066667+00:00

    Run DISM and System File Checker from an elevated Command Prompt opened through Task Manager, because restarting Windows Explorer and the computer has already failed.

    1. Repair Windows system components

    1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
    2. Select Run new task. If necessary, first select More details, then File > Run new task.
    3. Enter cmd.
    4. Check Create this task with administrative privileges, then select OK.
    5. Run these commands in order:
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

    Let each command finish completely, even if DISM appears paused. DISM repairs the Windows component store; SFC then checks and repairs protected system files.^1^

    Restart afterward from Task Manager by selecting Run new task, entering the following, and selecting OK:

    shutdown /r /t 0

    2. If the shell still does not work, use Windows Recovery

    Back up important files first if possible. If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, have the recovery key available.

    1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
    2. On that screen, hold Shift, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.
    3. In Windows Recovery Environment, try these options in this order:
      • Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates — use this if the problem began immediately after a Windows update.
      • Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore — select a restore point from before the problem began. System Restore rolls back system files, settings, drivers, and installed programs without affecting personal files.^2^

    If the security screen or its Power button is also unresponsive, Windows RE can be forced:

    1. Turn on the PC.
    2. When the Windows or manufacturer logo appears, hold the physical power button until it shuts down.
    3. Repeat once.
    4. Start it a third time; Windows should display Automatic Repair.
    5. Select Advanced options.^3^

    3. If recovery does not fix it, perform an in-place repair

    This reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files, installed applications, and settings.

    1. Back up important data.
    2. Download or create Windows 11 installation media.
    3. Open File Explorer with Ctrl+Shift+Esc > Run new task, enter explorer.exe, and select OK.
    4. Open the installation-media drive and run setup.exe from inside the current Windows session. Do not boot from the USB for this repair.
    5. Select Change what to keep > Keep personal files and apps.
    6. Select Install.^4^

    Confirm that Keep personal files and apps is selected before proceeding. A clean installation instead removes files, applications, and settings.

    Avoid Reset this PC until these options have failed: even its “Keep my files” choice removes installed applications and settings.^5^

    References

    1. Using System File Checker in Windows
    2. System Restore
    3. Windows recovery environment
    4. Reinstall Windows with the installation media
    5. Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support
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  2. Vikki-T 13,320 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-05T13:07:18.79+00:00

    Hi Alex Morse,

    I can understand how disruptive this must be, especially when several basic Windows functions have stopped responding at the same time.

    Since the Start menu, Search, Settings, taskbar actions, and Alt+Tab are all affected, the issue may be related to a damaged Windows user profile rather than Windows Explorer alone.

    Before considering a reset or reinstall, try testing with a new local user account. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, select Run new task, enter netplwiz, and create a temporary local account. Then sign out and test those Windows features from the new account.

    If everything works there, the original user profile is likely corrupted, and you can transfer your personal files to the new account. If the same problem occurs in both accounts, it would indicate a broader Windows system issue, and the repair options already suggested would be the appropriate next step. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

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