Windows 11 Run dialog no longer appearing

[King Mustard]

When I go to Start > Run or hit WIN+R, the Run dialog no longer appears.

It may be related to yesterday's KB5058499 update but I cannot be sure.

Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4202.

Any ideas?

EDIT: Solved by updating StartAllBack from v3.9.7 to v3.9.9.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for providing detailed info, including the build and recent update. When the Run dialog doesn’t appear via Start > Run or WIN+R, it’s often due to system shell issues, group policy/settings, or update-related bugs. Here are some steps to help diagnose and resolve:
1. Check for Stuck Explorer Process

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); if you can, try restarting Windows Explorer (right-click “Windows Explorer” > Restart).

2. Try Using Another User Account

• Does the Run dialog work in another Windows user account? This can help determine if the issue is system-wide or profile-specific.

3. Scan for Corruption
Open Command Prompt as admin and run:
sfc /scannow
After SFC completes, also run:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
4. Check Group Policy (if Pro/Enterprise)

• Run gpedit.msc (if you’re able). Navigate to:
  User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
  Ensure “Remove Run menu from Start Menu” is set to Not Configured or Disabled.

5. Uninstall the KB5058499 Update (For Testing)

• If the problem started after this update, temporarily uninstall KB5058499:
  • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
  • Locate KB5058499 and remove it. Reboot and test WIN+R.

6. Check for Third-Party Utilities

• Tools that modify the Start menu or keyboard shortcuts (like PowerToys, shell replacements, or custom key mappers) can interfere. Try stopping/disabling these temporarily.

7. Check Event Viewer

• Look under Windows Logs > Application and System for errors around the time you try to open Run.

Let me know what you find after these steps, especially if uninstalling KB5058499 restores function. If not, we can dig deeper or look at other recent Windows 11 quirks!