Unable to Type in Windows 11 Start Menu? Apply These Fixes!
Typing on Windows 11 Start Menu has always been a time saver. It comes in handy when I urgently need to locate a particular file amidst the thousands of files and folders on my PC without stress. With that said, you should have known how frustrating it gets if one cannot use the search box during an emergency.
If you’re here because Windows 11 start menu won’t let you type, you’d be relieved to know that you’re not alone. Albeit a pretty trivial issue, it can be frustrating not being able to type keywords to locate a file you need within the system quickly.
A simple restart can help solve this issue temporarily, but the recurrence can be a pain in the rear, which necessitates the application of permanent fixes.
Thankfully, the inability to type in the Windows start menu is commonplace on some Windows 11 builds, and it doesn’t have to be a suffer-fest. You can try one or more of the fixes in this guide.
Why Can’t I Type in Windows 11 Start Menu?
The Windows 11 start menu issue can emerge from different aspects of the system, from corrupt system files to bugs that accompanied an update. There’s no way to tell where the problem stemmed from exactly; however, you can apply the solutions below to fix it.
Fixes for Typing Bug in Windows 11 Start Menu
Restart Windows Explorer
This is one trick that has fixed the issue for me across three different devices and should probably fix yours too. To restart Windows Explorer,
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager from the options that pop up
- Once in the task manager, go to processes and find Windows Explorer
- Right-click on Windows Explorer and click on Restart or End Task from the options. Either should do the trick
Update Graphics Drivers
Albeit rarely, old graphics drivers can mess up Windows UI elements, one of which is the start menu. To update your graphics drivers,
- Press Windows key + X and click Device Manager from the options
- Once in the device manager, click on Display Adapters to expand the options
- Right-click on your graphics card and click Update Driver from the options and then follow the prompts
Update Your Windows 11 Build
While your device can have developed start menu issues after updating the Windows version, a simple Windows update could also be the fix you need as Microsoft rolls out these updates to fix bugs and issues from previous builds.
To update your Windows version,
- Press Windows key + I to launch settings
- On the settings page, select Windows Update on the left pane
- In the next window, click Check for Updates, and your system will begin the search for Windows 11 latest builds
You should get a prompt if there’s an update. Not only will the update fix existing bugs, but it will also bring security enhancements to your system.
Run Windows Search Troubleshooter
Thankfully, Windows 11 has a designated troubleshooter for fixing issues related to the system search and indexing. Follow the steps below to launch the troubleshooter:
- Again, press Windows key + I to launch settings
- Under the Systems section, click Troubleshoot
- Press Other Troubleshooters on the Troubleshoot page
- Navigate to Search and Indexing and click Run right in from of it
- A dialogue highlighting the common problems with the search function should come up. Click on the most relevant one and follow the prompts.
Final Notes
Once you’ve applied one of the fixes above, ensure to restart Windows to allow the changes applied to manifest. Also, ensure that the problem does not stem from your keyword by using it in other apps or using the Windows on-screen keyboard in the Start Menu search box.
