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

SULEMAN, Shiraj (ELMS) 1 Reputation point
2026-01-22T12:16:22.97+00:00

In windows 11 25h2, I have noticed that on some computers, when i press the windows start button, i cannot type anything. i.e. if I press the letter e, it selects Edge icon from the start menu, etc. but when i go to settings or any other apps, the keyboard works fine, is there a bug? I have tried loggin as a different user, but still same.

This doesn't happen to all machines.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Accessibility
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  1. Ivy Bui (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 510 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-01-27T01:49:55.5633333+00:00

    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.

    If you found this answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" to share the love with everyone! 💖😊🌸✨

    Thank you again for your patience and support!

    Ivy Bui

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  2. SULEMAN, Shiraj (ELMS) 1 Reputation point
    2026-01-22T12:17:58.69+00:00

    I have tried the above

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  3. Huachen 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-13T07:10:38.0833333+00:00

    内网离线 Win11，系统默认开启 Bing 联网搜索，导致搜索组件主动请求外网 Bing 服务器，SearchHost 线程卡死，最终开始菜单键盘无法输入、本地搜索失效。
    执行以下命令，并重启电脑。
    reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search" /v DisableSearchBoxSuggestions /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search" /v ConnectedSearchUseWeb /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer" /v DisableSearchBoxSuggestions /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search" /v BingSearchEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

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