You finally open your PC after a productive morning routine, coffee in hand, to-do list set, brain fully in work mode. You're ready to take the day head-on, nothing standing between you and peak productivity. Until something does. Your Start menu just… won’t work. You literally just sat down, full of good intentions, and this is what greets you? It's the kind of annoying tech hiccup that derails your entire momentum.
So if you’re facing the "start menu not working Windows 10" issue, don’t worry – you're not alone. This problem is a lot more common than you think. And luckily, it’s also one of the easier ones to fix. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get your Start menu back up and running, so you can get back to doing what you actually planned to do today.
Check Your Laptop/PC in Windows 10
Ever so often, your Windows 10 Start Menu will face errors caused by many different things. Some of the causes for Start Menu issues are:
Corrupted System Files: Essential Windows files may be damaged or missing.
Windows Explorer Glitches: Any crashes or freezes in Windows Explorer can cause such issues.
Faulty Windows Updates: A recent Windows update might have incomplete installations or bugs.
I will be guiding you on the steps you need to take and all the different methods you can use to fix your Windows 10 start menu.
Method 1: Press Buttons
If your Start Menu isn’t working and you can’t access the restart or shutdown options through the usual interface, keyboard shortcuts can help you manage your system.
Step 1: To use these shortcuts, first go back to your desktop. Close or minimize any open windows; Chrome, File Explorer, or any other app.
Note: Press "Windows + D" to return to your desktop instantly.
Step 2: Now press "ALT + F4" on your keyboard at the same time. This will open the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
Step 3: Click the drop-down menu, select "Restart" from the list of options, and then press Enter to restart your system.
This will help you restart your PC without needing the Start Menu.
When my Start Menu completely froze and even the taskbar icons weren’t responding, this method turned out to be really effective. It’s a simple and hassle-free solution—no need to reset, reinstall, or dive into configurations. Just a quick restart, and my Start Menu was working again.
Method 2: Resetting Your Laptop
If the Start Menu still isn’t working, a system reset can help fix any corrupted files or settings causing the issue, and you don’t need the Start Menu to do this.
Step 1: First, open the "Run" application by using the "Windows + R" keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: In the Run window, type "cmd" in the Open field and press Enter.
Step 3: This will open the Command Prompt. Here, you need to type the following command to reset your system, and then press Enter.
Systemreset
Step 4: This will open the Reset options, where you can choose to either keep your files or remove everything, including your documents, photos, and other data from your system.
It’s a simple process, and you can choose to keep your files. Just be careful if you choose the "Remove Everything" option, as it will delete all your data. I went with "Keep my files" and everything worked fine without losing any important documents.
Restart Windows 10 Explorer
Another method to fix the Start Menu issue is to restart Windows Explorer through the Task Manager. This can help refresh system processes without requiring a full restart.
Here’s how you can restart Windows Explorer on Windows 10:
Step 1: First, open Task Manager by pressing “CTRL + ALT + DEL” and selecting "Task Manager".
Step 2: In Task Manager, look for "Windows Explorer" under the Processes tab.
Step 3: Once you find Windows Explorer, click on the "Restart" button.
Restarting Windows Explorer can quickly refresh your Start Menu when it freezes. I used it and it resolved the issue in a matter of seconds without needing a full reboot.
About the Windows 10 Update
Method 1: Check the Windows Update
If you're facing issues with the Start Menu or other system functions, it’s important to first check for available updates. Sometimes, updates can include fixes for known bugs or glitches, including problems with the Start Menu. Let’s take a look at how you can check for any updates available:
Step 1: First, open Windows Settings on your Windows 10 system by using the “Windows + I” shortcut to quickly access it.
Step 2: Inside the Settings window, find and select "Update & Security" from the available options.
Step 3: On the next screen, click on the "Check for updates" button, and Windows will start searching for any available updates online.
Note: Ensure that your system is connected to the internet for this step.
Step 4: If there are any updates available, you’ll see the "Download and Install" option under the "Optional updates available" section. Click on it, and your download will begin.
I found that regularly checking for updates can resolve many minor issues, including problems with the Start Menu. Sometimes, the system just needs a refresh with the latest updates.
Method 2: Uninstall the Latest Update
In some cases, a recent update might be causing issues with your system, such as freezing the Start Menu. If you suspect an update is the cause, uninstalling it could be an effective way to restore functionality. This method can help you revert to a more stable version if the latest update is problematic.
In some cases, a recent update might be causing issues with your system, such as freezing the Start Menu. If you suspect an update is the cause, uninstalling it could be an effective way to restore functionality. This method can help you revert to a more stable version if the latest update is problematic.
Step 1: First, open Windows Settings on your Windows 10 system by using the “Windows + I” shortcut.
Step 2: Inside the Settings window, locate and select "Update & Security" from the available options.
Step 3: Here, click on the "View update history" option to see your recent updates.
Step 4: To uninstall any recent updates, click on the "Uninstall updates" option.
Step 5: Now, select the update you believe may have caused the issue, and then click on the "Uninstall" button.
Note: In most cases, the most recent update may be the reason why your Start Menu isn’t working. You can verify this through the dates of the updates and uninstall the most recent one.
Step 6: You’ll get a confirmation prompt before proceeding with the uninstallation. Click "Yes" to confirm.
If a recent update caused problems with the Start Menu, uninstalling it was a quick way to restore functionality.
Fix From Some Windows 10 Task Manager
Method 1: Fix From Windows PowerShell
Using Windows PowerShell, you can re-register the Start Menu and other core Windows components that may have stopped responding. This method is helpful if something in the system configuration is preventing the Start Menu from loading properly.
Step 1: First, you’ll need to open PowerShell, but since the Start Menu isn’t working, press “CTRL + ALT + DEL” and select “Task Manager”.
Step 2: In Task Manager, click on the “File” menu, then select “Run new task” from the dropdown.
Step 3: In the “Open” field, type “PowerShell” and press Enter.
This opens PowerShell, but we need to run it with administrative privileges to proceed.
Step 4: In the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, find the PowerShell icon. Right-click on it to open the options menu.
Step 5: From the menu, click on “Run as Administrator” to reopen PowerShell with admin rights on your Windows 10 system.
Step 6: In PowerShell, enter the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Step 7: The process might take some time to complete, and you may see a few pop-ups along the way.
Your system will now begin reinstalling and re-registering all the built-in apps for every user, including key components like the Start Menu, Cortana, and Microsoft Edge. Once it’s done, go ahead and check if your Start Menu is finally working as expected.
Method 2: Fix From Command Prompt
Command Prompt allows you to run system-level scans like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM, which can detect and repair corrupted files. These tools are especially useful if the Start Menu issue is related to deeper system file problems.
Since the Start Menu isn’t working, you won’t be able to open Command Prompt as an administrator the usual way. Instead, here’s how to do it using a right-click shortcut:
Step 1: Go to the Start icon on your taskbar and right-click to open the “Windows options”.
Step 2: From the menu, select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to launch it with administrative privileges.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ren %windir%\System32\AppLocker\Plugin*.* *.bak
This command renames all the AppLocker plugin files in the System32 directory by changing their extensions to .bak. It prevents them from being loaded, which may fix issues tied to corrupted or conflicting AppLocker components that could be affecting the Start Menu or other system functions.
Method 3: Fix From Services
Sometimes, essential Windows services like "Start Menu Experience Host" or "Windows Search" may be disabled or stuck. By accessing and restarting these services, you may be able to restore full functionality to the Start Menu.
Step 1: To begin, open PowerShell. Since your Start Menu isn't responding, press “CTRL + ALT + DEL”, then choose “Task Manager”.
Step 2: Inside Task Manager, go to the “File” menu and pick “Run new task” from the dropdown list.
Step 3: In the dialog that appears, type “Services.msc” into the Open field and hit Enter.
Step 4: You’ll now see the Services window. Find the entry labeled “Application Identity”.
Step 5: Now, just right-click on Application Identity and choose “Start” from the context menu.
Once you start the Application Identity service, your system begins refreshing critical background services that help manage app security and access. You might not notice an instant change, but this step quietly helps restore stability. I’ve used it when the Start Menu stopped responding, and it’s often a key part of the fix.
Run System File Checker (SFC) on Windows 10
System File Checker is a built-in tool that scans your Windows installation for missing or corrupted files and replaces them with the correct versions. It’s a reliable option when the Start Menu isn’t working due to internal system damage or configuration errors.
Step 1: Go to the Start button on your taskbar, then right-click it to reveal additional “Windows options”.
Step 2: Choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the list to open it with administrative access.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the command below to check for corruption in the component store, then hit Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Step 4: Now run a more detailed scan to identify possible issues by entering this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Step 5: To repair any found issues and restore your system image, use the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Note: This step may take some time to finish. It may appear unresponsive at times, but do not close the window—allow the process to complete fully.
Step 6: When the process is complete, you will see a message saying: "The restore operation completed successfully".
This method is effective when your system has corrupted files. The sfc /scannow command fixed my issues with the Start Menu by repairing corrupted system files.
Create a New Administrator Account on Windows 10
If your user profile is corrupted, creating a new administrator account can help you regain access to the Start Menu. A fresh profile often bypasses any hidden bugs or permission issues affecting the original account.
Step 1: Right-click the Start button on your taskbar to open the context menu labeled “Windows options”.
Step 2: From the list, select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to launch it with administrator privileges.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
net user USER_NAME PASSWORD /add
Note: Replace USER_NAME and PASSWORD with the desired username and password for the new user account.
Step 4: Now, type the following command to add the newly created user to the Administrators group, then press Enter:
net localgroup administrators USER_NAME /add
Note: Make sure to replace USER_NAME with the username of the account you just created.
Step 5: Once the new administrative account has been set up, sign out of your current session and log in to the new Administrator account.
After completing the steps, a new user account with full administrative privileges will be created on your system. You’ll be able to sign in and perform tasks that require elevated access, such as installing software or managing settings. The account starts with default configurations, offering a clean environment for admin use.
WPS Office: Best Office Software on Windows 10
If your Windows 10 Start button isn’t working, it’s more than just an annoyance, it can seriously come in the way of your productivity. In times like these, having reliable software that plays nicely with Windows 10 becomes crucial. WPS Office is a completely free office suite that doesn’t just run on Windows 10, it’s built to feel native to it.
WPS Office integrates flawlessly with the Windows 10 UI, including support for dark mode, the updated taskbar, and snap layouts, so it looks and behaves like a natural part of the system. Plus, it’s lightweight and efficient, which makes it a smart choice for users dealing with system hiccups or running older devices without bloat or lagging
WPS AI is yet another big win, the suite’s built-in smart assistant. It offers helpful tools for writing, formatting, and document management, saving you time and cutting down on repetitive tasks. And because WPS Office has quick install and launch times, you’re up and running in minutes.
FAQs
1. How do I force Windows 10 to repair startup?
Here’s a straightforward guide on how to fix Windows 10 startup issues:
Step 1: Shut down your computer by holding the power button.
Step 2: Turn your computer back on. Press the F11 key repeatedly to open the Advanced Startup Options.
Step 3: Choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: Click Advanced options, then select Startup Repair.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
2. How to start Windows 10 in safe mode?
You can start Windows 10 in safe mode by following the guide below:
Step 1: Press and hold the Shift key, then click on Restart from the Shut Down or Sign-Out menu.
Step 2: Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, followed by Startup Settings, and click Restart.
Step 3: After your PC restarts, select the Safe Mode option. You can do that by pressing the number 4, F4, or Fn+F4, depending on the on-screen instructions.
3. Why did my PC freeze on startup?
Reasons your PC might freeze on startup:
Software conflicts
Outdated drivers
Hardware issues
Corrupted system files
Malware infection
BIOS issues
Faulty hardware
Solution: Boot your PC in Safe Mode to see if the issue continues. If it stops, then a startup program or outdated driver might be causing the problem.
Best Office Suite for Windows 10 OS
The Start menu is one of the most essential features in Windows, it’s where your workflow begins. So when it stops responding, it can throw your entire routine off track. In moments like these, having dependable software that doesn’t add to the chaos is a relief. WPS Office is fully compatible with Windows 10, both in design and performance. It blends seamlessly with the system’s UI, supporting features like dark mode, the new taskbar, and snap layouts. It installs quickly, starts up fast, and uses minimal system resources, making it perfect for Windows 10 devices. With built-in WPS AI for smart writing assistance, it keeps you productive without costing a cent or requiring extra troubleshooting.
