Windows 10 Start Menu Not Responding? Here’s How to Fix It

Having trouble with your Windows 10 start menu? Explore solutions to fix the issue and regain full functionality.

The Windows 10 Start menu is a crucial part of the operating system, allowing users to quickly access applications, settings, and files. However, sometimes it can become unresponsive or stop working altogether. Several users report, Windows 10 start menu not working after update. “Cannot open the start menu, neither with the bottom left icon or with the windows key on my keyboard”. Well this issue can occur due to several reasons, corrupt system files, software conflicts, or User Profile Corruption are common. This article explores various solutions to troubleshoot and restore the functionality of the Start Menu and ensure a smooth user experience in Windows 10.

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Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working

When the start menu stop responding or not working it can significantly impact user experience, may struggle to launch programs efficiently, access system settings, or perform basic tasks, on Windows 10.

Common Causes of Start Menu Issues:

There may be many reasons behind this Windows 10 start menu not working problem some of the common ones include:

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  1. Corrupt System Files: System files essential for the proper functioning of the Start Menu may become corrupted, leading to malfunction.
  2. Software Conflicts: Third-party applications or recently installed software may conflict with the Start Menu, causing it to become unresponsive.
  3. Windows Updates: In some cases, updates to Windows 10 may cause conflicts with the Start Menu, resulting in functionality issues.
  4. User Profile Corruption: Corruption within the user profile can also affect the Start Menu’s performance.
  5. Antivirus or Security Software: Certain security programs may interfere with system processes, including those related to the Start Menu.

Whether it’s freezing up and becoming unresponsive or failing to open altogether, here is how to fix the problem.

Restart Windows Explorer

The Start Menu is part of the Windows Explorer process. Restarting Windows Explorer can refresh its functionality and potentially resolve the issue related to the Start Menu.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Locate Windows Explorer in the list of processes.
  • Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.
  • Wait a few moments for Windows Explorer to restart. Your desktop icons and taskbar may briefly disappear and then reappear.

Restart Windows Explorer

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Again Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software glitches and temporary system issues. Restart your computer and check if the Start Menu functionality is restored.

Re-register Windows 10 start menu

Sometimes, the Start Menu may become unresponsive due to corrupted or misconfigured system files associated with its functionality. By re-registering the Start Menu components, you essentially reset them to their default state, which can often resolve issues with its operation.

  • Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
  • Alternatively, open Task Manager click on file -> type PowerShell, and checkmark on create this task with administrative privileges. click on ok.

Open an elevated PowerShell from taskmanager

  • Next type or copy/paste the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

  • Wait for the command to execute. This process may take a few minutes.
  • Once the command completes, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Re-register the Windows 10 start menu

This process essentially reinstalls the Start Menu, potentially fixing any underlying issues causing it to malfunction.

Run the System File Checker

Corrupted system files can cause various issues in Windows 10, including problems with the Start Menu. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) to scan for and repair corrupted system files. SFC focuses on repairing files already present on your system, while DISM can restore the health of the Windows installation itself by repairing system image files.

To run the System file checker utility again open the command prompt as administrator. You Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”

Alternatively open task manager -> file -> type cmd -> checkmark on creating this task with administrative privileges and click ok.

Type the command sfc /scannow and hit the enter key Wait for the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair any corrupted system files. This process may take some time.

This tool will identify and attempt to fix any corrupted system files that might be affecting the Start Menu.

Use SFC and DISM command

After SFC completes, type or copy/paste the following DISM command. and press enter.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to scan and repair any issues with the Windows installation. Once both processes are complete, restart your computer.

By running these tools, you can ensure that any corrupted files affecting the Start Menu are identified and repaired.

Create a new user account

Sometimes, the issue may be specific to your user profile. Create a new user account and see if the Start Menu works correctly in the new account. If the new account works fine, you may consider transferring your files and settings to the new account.

  • Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  • Go to “Accounts” and select “Family & other users” from the left sidebar.
  • Under “Other users,” click on “Add someone else to this PC.”

create user account

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
  • Once the new account is created, log out of your current account and log in to the new user account to see if the Start Menu works properly.

Check for the latest Windows Update

Microsoft frequently releases patches and updates that address bugs and improve system stability, which could contribute to a malfunctioning Start Menu. Installing the latest updates ensures that your system has the most recent fixes and enhancements, which may include patches for issues related to the Start Menu.

  • Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  • Go to “Update & Security” and select “Windows Update” from the left sidebar.
  • Click on “Check for updates” and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.
  • Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Windows 10 update download

Updating Windows can address underlying issues that may be causing the Start Menu to malfunction, providing a straightforward solution to the problem.

In addition Make sure the Application Identity Service is running. To check this

  • Press Win + R, type services.msc into the box, and hit enter.
  • Then in the Services windows right-click Application Identity and click Start.
  • Reboot your PC, and your Start menu should be up and running again.

 

Perform a System Restore

If the Start Menu issue started recently after making system changes or installing software, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state when the Start Menu was working correctly.

  • Press Windows key + S and type “System Restore” in the search bar. Select “Create a restore point” from the search results.
  • In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore” button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions in the System Restore wizard to choose a restore point from before the Start Menu issue occurred.
  • Confirm your restore point selection and follow any additional prompts to initiate the System Restore process.
  • Your computer will restart and revert to the selected restore point. Note that this process cannot be undone, so ensure you select a restore point that predates the Start Menu problem.

System restore windows 10

Reverting to a restore point before the issue occurred can effectively resolve Start Menu issues caused by recent changes to the system.

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