Start Menu is the most useful feature of Microsoft Windows, it allows us to quickly access settings and apps.
Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in
Start menu disappeared, “not responding “, or “Critical Error” ? Don’t worry, We will help you get your Windows 10 Start Menu back.
Contents
Way 1: Re-logging
Re-logging means Sign out and Login again.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete , Click Sign out
Type the password and login again
Now, Start menu works all right? If not, keep reading and try other methods below
Way 2: Safe Mode
See: How to Boot into Safe Mode (4 Ways)
Press Windows + R, type msconfig
Select Boot > Safe boot > Network or Minimal > OK
Restart your computer and you will boot into Safe Mode. Go into the System Configuration window just like you did to get into Safe Mode, uncheck “Safe boot” , click OK, restart your computer, and your Start menu may live again.
Way 3: Create New Account
Right-click the taskbar and click Task Manager.
Or Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape
File > Run new task
Type powershell and tick the checkbox
Type: net user username password /add
Press Enter
We are using the username “techhelp” and password “techhelpday” as an example
Restart your computer and login with the new account. If the start menu works, chang your account to Microsoft account and transfer your settings and files.
Or log back in to your old account, open Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Advanced > User Profiles >Settings
Select your new account from the list and click Copy To
Way 4: Restart Windows Explorer
Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape, or Right-click the taskbar and click Task Manager
Click More details
Scroll down to Windows Explorer, Right-click it and click Restart
Way 5: Uninstall Dropbox and Antivirus
Dropbox and Antivirus software may cause a lot of questions, try to uninstall them.
Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter
Then uninstall
Reboot your computer
Way 6: Hide Cortana from Taskbar
Right-click the Taskbar and choose Cortana> Hidden
Then right-click the Taskbar again and choose Cortana> Show search box
Way 6: Reset your PC
Press Windows + R, type ms-settings:recoery and press Enter
Under Advanced startup, click Restart Now
Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files
5 More Methods
- Download and run Windows 10 Start Menu Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
2. Run the following command in Powershell
sfc /scannow
3. Repair Windows Image. Run the following command in powershell, then Reboot your PC
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Run Windows Update
5. Tablet Mode.
