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Windows Start Menu not opening - Taskbar is invisible

This all started suddenly. I was playing FFXIV but then logged out for the night, went to the start menu to put the machine into sleep mode and the start menu would not open. I've had this issue before so I right-clicked on my taskbar, went to the Task Manager to restart Explorer. That didn't help. The icon on the start menu changed, the start menu still does not open, and now the taskbar (including the clock) is invisible. I know the taskbar is still there because all of the shortcuts still work and I can right click and interact with it.

After everything I have tried, I finally found that ShellExperienceHost.exe is suspended and not running. I have no idea that caused this.

Specs as follows:

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
Version 10.0.22631 Build 22631

System Model B650 GAMING X AX

Processor AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6-Core Processor, 4701 Mhz, 6 Core(s), 12 Logical Processor(s)
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 32.0 GB
Screen 1: AMD Radeon(TM) Graphics Driver Version 32.0.11024.2

Screen 2: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Driver Version 32.0.15.6603


What I have done so far to try to fix this:

1. Restarted explorer.exe - the first attempt hid my taskbar, doing into the taskbar settings have not helped because the settings do not show it as hidden.

2. Restarted my pc - no change

3. Updated windows and restarted my pc - no change

4. ran sfc via elevated cmd prompt - scan found no integrity violations

5. ran DISM via elevated cmd prompt - scan found no corruptions

6. Looked through multiple help articles, Found this apparently an issue with ShellExperienceHost.exe. Attempted to restore via elevated powershell with the following:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}

**Powershell kicked back a massive error list that I can't copy and paste here because it is too long.

Update:

Uninstalled AMD drivers and then reinstalled them. Restarted.

Uninstalled Gigabyte NVIDIA Geforce 4070 as well as drivers. Reinstalled and restarted.

I now finally can see the Windows Shell Experience Host in the active processes list but it is still showing as "Suspended". If I hover over the process with my mouse I see the message "This UWP process is suspended to improve system performance."

So, how do I un-suspend this?

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Another update:

Checked via another user account. The issue persists. Clock is now visible; I went into Notification Area Icons\System Icons and found the clock had gotten turned out and I don't know why.

Windows Shell Experience Host is still listed as "suspended". This makes no sense considering my PC is more than powerful enough to run, well, pretty much anything at max settings.

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Hi AkiterraV,

 

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

 

Thanks for sharing the ideas you've tried including a new user profile.

We understand your frustration with the Start Menu not working properly, but if things continue to be the same with a new user profile, it could mean a system-level failure.

For example, a failure of a system component specific to ShellExperienceHost.exe, or more broadly, other dependent libraries.

High loads, voltage/power fluctuations, and heat buildup may affect some electronic components and cause strange problems.

One possibility is that options related to power management/power state may cause components of the system to take less time to boot, but may not load completely.

For the system itself, it could be fast startup, hibernation. At the other software level, it could be specialized software provided by the hardware manufacturer or driver management tools.

The Powershell you executed did not specify a particular component name; the command was aimed at all similar components in the system.

Some of the errors you observe in the list of errors returned by Powershell may be related to “resources are occupied/process is in use” type problems.

You can try to re-execute the particular command in a relatively clean environment, for example, safe mode or clean boot.

  • Clean Boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It can be used to determine whether a background service or program is interfering or causing a problem.

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step.

Please be careful not to disable any services that may be related to security credentials or security authentication, such as TPM, Security, Credential.

If you need to try to repair system components, a common option is usually In-place Upgrade.

Disclaimer: Please back up all your important data before performing it.

  • In-place Upgrade

    Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: 

    How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Community 

The device is running Windows 11 23H2, the content in this thread described some ways to get Windows 11 23H2 system image file.

You can refer to the information shared by Volunteer Moderator. The information mentioned external links.

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology. 

Download iso of windows 11 that is older than the newest update (a - Microsoft Community

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If I misunderstand your situation, feel free to correct me and share the information.

 

Best Regards,

 

Kyo.Y - MSFT | Microsoft Community Technical Support

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Question Info

Last updated April 17, 2025 Views 62 Applies to: