keyboard not working when i press the windows start button, but works in all other apps

Hi SULEMAN, Shiraj (ELMS), I am Ivy.

This is a known Windows 11 Start menu input issue on certain builds. When the Start menu search component fails to receive text input, Windows falls back to keyboard navigation, which causes letters to select pinned apps instead of typing. Other applications continue to work normally because the keyboard itself is not affected.Please follow the steps below in order. After each step, test whether typing works in the Start menu.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer (quick workaround)

This refreshes the Start menu UI and often restores typing immediately.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Locate Windows Explorer
3. Right‑click it and select Restart
4. Open the Start menu and try typing

Step 2: Check the Text Input Management Service

The Start menu relies on this service to accept keyboard input.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, then press Enter
2. Locate Text Input Management Service
3. Confirm the service status:
   • If Stopped, select Start
     • If Running, select Restart
     1. Close the services window and test the Start menu again

Step 3: Install the latest Windows updates

Microsoft has fixed this issue in later cumulative updates for affected builds.

1. Open Settings → Windows Update
2. Select Check for updates
3. Install all available updates
4. Restart the device when prompted

Step 4: Temporary workaround (if needed)

If the issue persists after updates:

• Logging out and logging back in may temporarily restore Start menu typing
• Restarting the device may also restore functionality

These workarounds refresh the Start menu input process but do not permanently address the root cause.

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Thank you again for your patience and support!

Ivy Bui

I have tried the above