Windows 10: Taskbar, start key, settings and run not responding

Logged onto my laptop today to find the taskbar and start button completely unresponsive. I can’t use them to open any applications or to type, and there is a loading symbol where my mouse tracker should be when I hover over them. I tried to use windows + I and windows + R to open Settings and Run respectively but they won’t open either. I’ve also attempted to open Settings through cmd without luck. I’ve also already tried opening Task Manager and restarting Windows Explorer to no avail. Any tips? Thanks!

:)

 

Start Menu / Taskbar Not Responding for 10 Minutes

Windows 10 Version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.572) - this issue has occurred the past few months

When booting up the computer, or reboot, or switching users (2 users in the house)

The Start Menu, apps on the taskbar, and action center do not respond. When right clicking on the settings gear, settings appers to open for a brief moment, then goes away. This behavior also happens when trying to click on a taskbar app.

After approximately 10 minutes, these things work normally. When opening task manager, I don't see explorer.exe listed when the behavior occurs. Is it possible that explorer.exe doesn't "get started" after the 10 or so minutes?

I'm a blind user, so the Start Menu is of great use to me.

I have read some other posts about using command prompt or powershell to run commands such as sfc, grabappspackage, etc. (sorry, I cannot remember them all). I have taken these steps, however the issue still persists.

Any assistance would be sincerely appreciated.

Thank you

 

Taskbar freeze at start 20H2

Have you tried any or all of these.

Method 1: Use Powershell



Use the Powershell command to unfreeze the frozen taskbar by following the steps below:



1. Press and hold the Windows logo key + R.

2. Type powershell in the Run dialog box.

3. Hit Enter.

4. Type the following command line: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}.

5. Hit Enter.



Take note that you have to enable the Windows Firewall before performing the task above. Here are the steps on how to check if the Windows Firewall was enabled:



1. Open Task Manager.

2. Click More Details.

3. Select the Services tab.

4. Make sure that MpsSvc, also described as Windows Firewall, is running.



Method 2: Enable the User Manager.



A disabled User Manager sometimes results in a frozen Windows taskbar. To re-enable the User Manager, follow these steps:



1. Press and hold Windows logo key + R.

2. Type services.msc.

3. Double-click the User Manager.

4. Set the Startup type to Automatic.

5. Hit OK.

6. Restart the computer.



Method 3: Disable Recently Opened Items.



Disabling the recently opened items helps to speed up the list launch. To disable items that are recently opened, follow the instruction below:



1. Go to Settings.

2. Select Personalization.

3. Click Start.

4. Slide the toggle button beside Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Star or the taskbar to turn it off.


So It freezes upon startup right after a fresh install of Windows? im asking if it worked but then you installed a VPN or Other Antivirus software and then it didnt work ?

 

No start key - taskbar does not respond to R mouse click + no edge ico


After reading all of the possible steps to fix what appears to be a common situation in Windows 10. I find that none of them work. My computer has all the signs and symptoms as described.
Does anyone have a solution to this or is it as suggested just format the hard disk and start again.
Terry