Microsoft → Win 8.1 disappearing menu

I've noticed that the last three times I've downloaded and installed some (unrelated) programs, when I eventually go to 'shut down' or 'sleep' my computer, the menus that appear when you move the cursor to the sides of the screen are no longer there. I have to then power off by using the laptops on/off button. When I reboot the menus are back as normal. (apparently until I again download and install any program)
Anyone else found this? Any remedy?
Thanks.

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Do you mean the Charms bar (search, share, start, devices, settings)? You have to make sure that you move your cursor to the upper right or lower right corner areas of the screen, not the sides.

See this: »www.askvg.com/how-to-dis ··· ows-8-1/

It's about disabling the Hot Corners/Charms bar, but just do the reverse of its instructions to make sure they're enabled.

Anyway, I haven't had any problem with it on 8.1.

Thanks for the reply 'DowntheShore'.
Yes, I mean the 'Charms' (still getting used to the terminology)
I'd tried the cursor at all corners plus sides - nothing.
Checked taskbar properties and they are checked. They work ok after rebooting but seemingly not directly after installing any program.

Start menu replacement programs can disable it.

How about using Windows-C to open charms menu?

»www.dummies.com/how-to/c ··· uts.html

Thanks for the suggestion JohnInSJ - wasn't aware of that function! Will try that the next time the problem appears.

BlitzenZeus - I haven't installed any Start Menu programs so can't be that.

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