Windows 11 Start Menu Apps Missing After Update

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Windows 11 Start Menu Apps Missing After Update. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Following a major Windows 11 update or a user profile migration, it is possible for installed applications to disappear from the Start Menu or appear as blank tiles. This typically affects Microsoft Store applications and built-in system utilities. This guide provides steps to repair Windows components and restore missing application entries on your workstation.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your computer to ensure the update process has fully completed.
2. Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.
3. Sign out of your user account and sign back in to refresh the user profile.

Detailed Instructions

1. Repair Windows Apps via Settings

1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Apps, then select Installed apps.
3. Scroll through the list to find the application that is missing or not functioning correctly.
4. Click the three dots (...) next to the app and select Advanced options.
5. Click the Repair button. If the issue persists, click Reset.
6. Restart your computer and check if the app reappears in the Start Menu.

2. Reset the Windows Start Menu Layout

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\ and press Enter.
3. Locate the folder named TileDataLayer and rename it to TileDataLayer.old.
4. Restart your computer. Windows will regenerate the layout files upon reboot.

3. Re-register Windows Apps using PowerShell

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

1. Wait for the process to complete. You may see several red error messages; these can usually be ignored as long as the command finishes.
2. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting

• App still missing after reset: Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, and click Get updates to reinstall the application.
• Multiple apps missing for one user: The user profile may be corrupted. Try creating a new local user account to see if the apps appear there.
• System utilities missing: Run the System File Checker by opening PowerShell (Admin) and entering sfc /scannow. Restart your computer once the scan is complete.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact your IT support team for further assistance.

For more information on managing your Windows environment, see our guides on Managing User Accounts in Windows 11 and Customizing the Windows 11 Start Menu and Taskbar.

Still Having Issues?