Help! My Windows 10 Start Menu Isn’t Working. What Should I Do?
Hey there! It seems like you’re having some trouble with your Windows 10 Start Menu. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Let’s figure out what’s going on and find a solution together.
First things first, it’s important to know that this issue is not uncommon. Many Windows 10 users have experienced it at some point, so you’re not alone. Now, let’s dive into some troubleshooting steps to get your Start Menu up and running again.
One possible reason for your Start Menu not working could be a temporary glitch. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the problem. So go ahead and give your computer a reboot. It might just do the trick!
If a restart didn’t solve the issue, we can try a few more things. Sometimes, an outdated or incompatible driver can cause problems with the Start Menu. To tackle this, head over to the Device Manager and check for any updates available for your drivers. Installing the latest updates might resolve the issue.
Another possibility is that a third-party software is interfering with your Start Menu. To test this, try launching Windows in Safe Mode. In this mode, only the essential programs and services will be running. If your Start Menu works fine in Safe Mode, then it’s likely that some software you installed is causing the problem. You can then uninstall recently installed programs one by one to identify the culprit.
If none of these solutions worked, don’t worry, there’s still hope. Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common issues, including problems with the Start Menu. To access the troubleshooter, go to the Settings menu, click on “Update & Security,” and then select “Troubleshoot” from the left sidebar. Look for the option related to the Start Menu and follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
In case you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Start Menu is still unresponsive, don’t panic. It might be time to consider restoring Windows 10 to a previous point when the Start Menu was working fine. You can do this by using the System Restore feature, which allows you to revert your computer to a state before the issue occurred.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files before making any changes to your system, just to be on the safe side.
I hope these suggestions help you get your Windows 10 Start Menu back to its usual self. If you’re still facing issues, it might be a good idea to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They have a team of experts who can guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps.
Hang in there, and I’m sure we’ll get your Start Menu working again in no time!
If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 Fall Creators Update version 1709 and are having trouble with your Start Menu, you’re not alone. Many users are experiencing issues with it, making it impossible to use the Search features. But don’t worry, I’ve got a list of fixes that should help you out.
Fixing Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working
The cause of this issue hasn’t been figured out yet. It seems to be a combination of different computer settings. However, there are some things you can try before Microsoft comes up with a solution. Below, you’ll find a list of fixes that you can try yourself. I suggest trying them one by one until you find one that solves your problem.
- Try logging out and back into your Windows account
- Reinstall your sound card and video card drivers
- Disable or uninstall any antivirus software
- Uninstall Dropbox
- Troubleshoot the Start menu
- Repair Windows files
NOTE: Before attempting any of the fixes listed above, create a system restore point, just in case something goes wrong.
1. Try logging out and back into your Windows account
Logging out and then back into your account is the easiest fix you can try. If your Start menu problem only happens occasionally, this should be your first step. Follow these steps:
1) Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time, and then click Sign out.
First, let’s try a couple of simple fixes:
1) Enter your password and try logging in again.
2) Give the Start menu a shot.
If the problem persists, we can move on to the next solution.
2. Update your sound card and video card drivers
I’ve learned that outdated video and sound card drivers can often cause issues with the Start menu on Windows computers, especially after a system update. Many people have been able to resolve this problem by updating their video and audio card drivers to the newest versions. Give it a try, and it may just solve your problem as well.
You could manually update the drivers, but I recommend using Driver Easy, a fantastic program that can handle all the work for you. It will scan your system and automatically update any outdated drivers.
Here’s what you need to do:
1) Download and install Driver Easy on your computer.
2) Run the program and click the “Scan Now” button. It will examine your PC and identify any potential problems.
3) Once the scan is complete, click the “Upgrade” button, and Driver Easy will locate, download, and install the latest drivers for you. (If you opt for the Pro version, you can update all the drivers with just one click.)
Okay, let’s move on to step 4. I want you to check if the Start Menu is working now.
Step 3: Disable or Uninstall Antivirus Software
If you have any third-party antivirus programs like Kaspersky, AVG, or Avast, you should try disabling them temporarily to see if they’re causing the problem. If the issue goes away when these programs are turned off, reach out to the software vendor for assistance.
Don’t worry about your computer’s safety – Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus, will stay active even after you disable third-party software.
Step 4: Uninstall Dropbox
Many Windows users worldwide have experienced issues with the Dropbox app. It might conflict with the Start Menu, causing it to stop working. If you have Dropbox installed, try removing it and see if that solves the problem.
Now, let’s go back to step 1. Press the Windows logo key and the letter R at the same time on your keyboard. Type “control” and hit Enter.
Hey there! Here’s what you can do:
1) First, let’s go ahead and select the view by Category options. This will help us organize things better.
2) Next, click on Uninstall a program. This is where we can remove any unwanted programs.
First things first, let’s tackle the issue with Dropbox. To uninstall it, follow these steps:
- Go to your list of programs and find Dropbox.
- Click on the program and select Uninstall.
Now, onto a bigger problem – the Start menu. Don’t worry, Microsoft knows about this issue and they have a solution called the Microsoft Start Menu Troubleshooter. Here’s what you need to do:
1) Install the Microsoft Start Menu Troubleshooter.
2) Let it do its magic. It will check if your start menu is working properly and if there are any permissions or database corruptions causing the problem.
If the troubleshooter doesn’t solve the problem, don’t fret. There’s one more thing you can try:
6. Repair Windows Files
1) Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
Now you’re ready to get your Start menu back on track. Good luck!
2) So, here’s what you’ll do: click on File and choose Run new task.
3) Now, type powershell and make sure to tick the box below. Then hit OK.
4) Once the window opens up, type in sfc/scannow and press Enter.
Okay, so now the scan is going to take a bit of time. And after it’s done, you’re going to get one of three possible results. This is where things can get a bit tricky. If you see a message like “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some (or all) of them,” well, that means there’s a problem.
But don’t worry, there’s a fix for that too! All you need to do is type in or paste this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Then press Enter and wait patiently while all the Windows Update files get downloaded. They’ll replace those pesky corrupted files and bring your Start Menu back to life. Just keep in mind that this process might take a little while to complete.
If you’re not quite sure how to use Windows PowerShell, don’t sweat it. You can find loads of online tutorials to guide you through it.
Now, let’s talk about refreshing your PC
If none of the solutions we’ve discussed so far seem to be doing the trick, it’s time to try refreshing your Windows 10 installation.