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Settings and Taskbar not responding (Windows 11)

Macc Wakzt 20 Reputation points
2026-04-07T15:20:54.7966667+00:00

I have to use right-click to search for apps. Other features like volume, calendar, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth also don’t open their panels. However, pinned apps, the system tray, and language options work just fine. Settings in general also didn't work, so I am unable to reset window to it's factory setting or anything. Please help!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
Answer accepted by question author
  1. DaveM121 861.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-07T15:56:39.64+00:00

    1

    Boot your PC into the Recovery Environment.

    If there is an option to uninstall the latest update, that may be the best option.

    If that does not resolve the problem, try a System Restore to a date before the problems started.

    2

    If that does not resolve the problem, the best option may be to perform an in-place repair with the Windows 11 ISO.

    Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

    Click this link:

    https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

    to download the Windows 11 ISO

    When the ISO file completes downloading

    Disconnect from the Internet

    Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

    Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

    Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

    Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-07T15:21:10.4333333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The behavior indicates that core Windows 11 UI components (Settings, taskbar flyouts like volume/calendar/network) are damaged or not responding. Use the following steps to repair them without using the normal Settings app.

    1. Re‑register Settings and built‑in apps
      1. Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
      2. Run these commands one at a time (copy–paste, then press Enter after each). Ignore red error messages and wait for each to finish: 
              Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}
      
      Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
      3. When both commands complete, restart the PC.
      4. After restart, test:
        • Open Settings (Win+I or right‑click Start → Settings).
        • Click volume, network (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth), and clock/calendar icons on the taskbar to see if their panels open.
    2. If Settings opens after step 1 If Settings starts working again, use it to check and repair apps or perform a reset while keeping files if needed:
      • To repair specific apps that misbehave:
        1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
        2. Select the More icon next to the problematic app.
        3. Choose Advanced options → Repair (or Reset if Repair is unavailable or doesn’t help).
      • If system issues persist and basic repair doesn’t help, use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows while preserving personal files.
    3. If Settings still does not open If Settings remains completely unresponsive even after re‑registering apps, use the working Start menu search/right‑click to:
      • Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features to repair or change desktop programs that might be interfering.
      • If problems persist, plan for a Reset this PC from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) as a last resort, choosing Keep my files to avoid losing personal data.

    These steps specifically target broken Settings and built‑in app registrations, which in similar cases restored Settings and fixed crashes when opening network and other taskbar panels.

    References:

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