Windows search and start icon not working

Hi! Let me help you.

If you are still having issues after restarting the Windows Explorer.

Open Task Manager, click on Run New Task, in the box, type in CMD, and tick the box for Create this task with administrative privileges.

On the Command Prompt window, type in sfc /scannow and Press Enter**,** and wait for the scan to complete

When it is done, restart the computer.

The behavior matches a known issue where Start, Search, and other interface elements stop responding.

Try these steps in order:

1. Restart Windows Explorer
   1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
   2. In the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
   3. Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
   4. After it restarts, test the Start button and the search (magnifying glass) again.
2. Sign out and sign back in
   1. Save any open work.
   2. Press the Windows logo key on the keyboard (if it responds) or use Ctrl+Alt+Delete and choose Sign out.
   3. Sign back into Windows.
   4. Test Start and Search again.

If this keeps happening frequently, consider restarting Windows Explorer when it occurs, as above. This is a non-destructive action and often restores Start and Search responsiveness.

References:

• Start button, charms and other user interface elements do not respond
• Find what you need with Microsoft Search