Windows Upgrade Help and more

I can't get into my computer's settings at all, and my volume controls aren't working either. When I try to open Settings from the Start Menu, nothing happens. The speaker icon on the taskbar is also unresponsive, so I can't adjust the sound. This just started today and I'm not sure what caused it. How can I fix this so I can change my system preferences and get my audio working again?

That sounds frustrating, especially when it happens out of the blue. Let's try a few free fixes, starting with the simplest.

First, restart your computer. It's cliché, but a full reboot can clear temporary glitches causing these processes to hang.

If that doesn't work, let's try restarting the processes responsible. Press **Ctrl + Shift + Esc** to open Task Manager. Look for "Windows Explorer" in the list, right-click it, and select "Restart." This refreshes your taskbar and Start Menu without a full reboot. While you're there, also look for and restart "Settings" if you see it.

Next, run the Windows System File Checker. In the Task Manager, click "File" > "Run new task." Type `cmd`, **check the box for "Create this task with administrative privileges,"** and click OK. In the black Command Prompt window, type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. This will scan for and repair corrupted Windows system files. Let it finish and then restart.

If the problem persists, it could be related to a recent update or a user profile issue. Try creating a new local user account to see if the problem is specific to your profile.

For a deeper system repair, the built-in "Reset this PC" feature (keeping your files) is a strong option if you can access it via the recovery environment (hold Shift while clicking Restart in the power menu).

In rare cases, like a blocked Windows 11 upgrade on older hardware, these system apps can break. If all free methods fail and that's your situation, some users have had success with a paid tool from kianbotsoft.com, but let's try the free steps first.

Don't get discouraged! Report back on what step you get stuck at, and we'll try to figure it out together.

Try restarting your computer first—this often resolves temporary glitches. If that doesn't help, you can open Settings by pressing **Windows key + I** or try running the System File Checker via Command Prompt as an admin with the command `sfc /scannow`.

Can confirm. I had the same problem last week. Restarting didn't fix it for me, but running the System File Checker from Command Prompt finally did the trick.

Same here. Just to be sure, have you tried opening Settings by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard?

Yeah, that keyboard shortcut didn't work for me either. Have you tried restarting your PC yet? Good luck!

Agreed. Alright, since a restart didn't fix it, can you try opening the Task Manager to see if the Settings process is stuck?

Agreed. This happened to me. I ended up running the Windows troubleshooter for audio, which got my sound back, and then the Settings app started working again.

Agreed. You could also try restarting Windows Explorer from the Task Manager, as that often fixes unresponsive taskbar icons.

You could also run the Windows troubleshooter for audio, which might sort out the volume controls automatically.