Can't launch programs from Start > R-Click

chadillac · Dec 15, 2021

Edition Windows 11 Pro
Version 21H2
Installed on ‎12/‎14/‎2021
OS build 22000.376
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22000.376.0

If I click on these programs, they won't launch. I have to use the Search icon, search for the program, then launch it from there.
I've tried multiple restarts. All updates from Windows Update installed.

Also can't launch an app via Run as administrator option from Search results:

I have to Open File Location, which is usually a shortcut, then again, go to File Location to get to the original file directly...only then can I "Run as Administrator"

glasskuter · Dec 15, 2021

Has this problem always existed in Windows 11 or just recently started? If recent, and you perform regular backups, restore a backup from before the issue started. If the problem has been present since you upgraded to 11, try opening a command prompt as administrator and type
sfc /scannow to see if there is corruption that SFC can fix. If that fails to fix the problem, doing an in-place repair reinstall will probably be necessary.
Tutorial here.

ShamrockRig · Dec 15, 2021

chadillac said:
Edition Windows 11 Pro
Version 21H2
Installed on ‎12/‎14/‎2021
OS build 22000.376
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22000.376.0

If I click on these programs, they won't launch. I have to use the Search icon, search for the program, then launch it from there.
I've tried multiple restarts. All updates from Windows Update installed.
View attachment 16297

Also can't launch an app via Run as administrator option from Search results:
View attachment 16342
I have to Open File Location, which is usually a shortcut, then again, go to File Location to get to the original file directly...only then can I "Run as Administrator"
View attachment 16343

Ok so i've given this a go, Isn't something i really use in often but none the less, All seems to work ok on my end. Might be worth doing what @glasskuter said and see from there. Sounds like something is corrupt somewhere.
Might be worth doing some usual AV scans etc just in the off chance

chadillac · Dec 16, 2021

glasskuter said:
Has this problem always existed in Windows 11 or just recently started? If recent, and you perform regular backups, restore a backup from before the issue started. If the problem has been present since you upgraded to 11, try opening a command prompt as administrator and type
sfc /scannow to see if there is corruption that SFC can fix. If that fails to fix the problem, doing an in-place repair reinstall will probably be necessary.
Tutorial here.

IT just happened as a result of upgrading from windows 10 to 11. I've already tried sfc /scannow, so I'll give the repair process a whirl. It definitely seems like something is corrupt. Hope this does it! I'll report back.