Dropdown menus in Windows 11 applications and system settings can stop responding due to corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. This issue can slow down workflow and make it difficult to access essential features within apps and system windows. Addressing these problems restores full menu functionality and streamlines navigation.

Restart Windows Explorer Process

Restarting Windows Explorer often resolves temporary glitches affecting dropdown menus, especially in the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Step 2: Locate and select Windows Explorer from the list of running processes.

Step 3: Click Restart at the bottom right of the Task Manager window. The screen may briefly flicker as Explorer reloads.

This refreshes the graphical interface and often restores dropdown menus to working order.

Run System File Checker and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can disrupt menu behavior. Windows includes built-in tools for scanning and repairing these files.

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2: Enter the following command to scan and repair system files:

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Wait for the scan to finish. If issues are found and fixed, restart your computer.

Step 4: If dropdown menus are still not working, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) by entering:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 5: After DISM completes, restart your PC once more.

These steps repair system files that may cause dropdown menu failures in Windows 11.

Update Graphics and Input Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers for graphics cards and input devices (like touchpads or mice) can cause interface glitches, including nonfunctional dropdown menus.

Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Display adapters and right-click your graphics device. Choose Update driver and follow the prompts to search automatically for updated driver software.

Step 3: Repeat the process for Mice and other pointing devices or Human Interface Devices if you suspect input issues.

Step 4: Restart your PC to apply any updates. Updated drivers improve compatibility and can resolve menu interaction issues.

Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates frequently include bug fixes for interface problems, including dropdown menu issues.

Step 1: Open Settings using Windows + I.

Step 2: Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.

Step 3: Install any available updates and restart your computer. This ensures your system has the latest fixes and improvements.

Disable Third-Party Shell Extensions

Shell extensions from third-party apps can interfere with menu rendering in Windows Explorer and other system components.

Step 1: Download and run a tool like ShellExView (from NirSoft) to view non-Microsoft shell extensions.

Step 2: In ShellExView, sort by Company and disable non-Microsoft extensions by right-clicking and selecting Disable Selected Items.

Step 3: Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your PC. If dropdown menus start working, re-enable extensions one at a time to identify the culprit.

Create a New User Profile

Corrupted user profiles can cause persistent menu problems. Creating a new profile can isolate and resolve profile-specific issues.

Step 1: Open Settings and go to Accounts > Other users.

Step 2: Click Add account and follow prompts to set up a new user.

Step 3: Log into the new account and check if the drop-down menus work. If they do, transfer your files and settings to the new profile.

Following these targeted steps restores the drop-down menu functionality in Windows 11 and helps keep your system running smoothly. If problems persist, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or checking for app-specific updates.