What to Do If Your Windows 10 Start Menu Doesn’t Work?

Don’t panic: just follow these steps

Long-time Windows users know the importance of the Start button. So what if that beloved icon suddenly stops responding? What do you do when the Windows 10 Start menu vanishes from your desktop?

There’s no need to worry. We’ve compiled a list of troubleshooting solutions for common Start menu-related issues.

Restart

the PC

It sounds silly having to remind people to restart their computer at the first sign of trouble. You’ll be surprised how most issues resolve themselves by simply restarting the PC. So before anything else, give that a whirl and see if that fixes everything.

Look for Corrupted Files

Windows has a built-in system file checker that fixes corrupted files and restores the computer to its proper state. To perform a system file check (SFC), follow the steps below.

OpenRunby holding theWindows buttonthenRon your keyboard.

UseRunto openCommand Promptby typingCMD.

Once in theCommand Prompt,typeSFC /SCANNOW.

This will instruct Windows to fix any corrupt file in your system. If that method fails, you can use a different command. From the Command Prompt, type:

DISM /ONLINE /CLEANUP-IMAGE /RESTOREHEALTH

This enables the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool. DISM Online Cleanup can fix errors that prevent SFC from doing its job.

Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is the process that handles the Start menu. Restarting the process can get the Start button to act normally once again.

OpenTask Managerby holdingCTRL,SHIFT, andESCat the same time.

Go to theProcessestab.Note: ClickMore Detailsif you don’t see tabs.

Scroll down and findWindows Explorerfrom the list of active applications.

Right-clickWindows Explorerand clickRestart.

Start Application Identity Service

The Application Identity Service is a Windows 10 service that casual users shouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. However, there’s a chance that forcing the application to run can fix the Start menu problem.

Go toRun(Windows + R) and typeSERVICES.MSC.

FindApplication Identityin the list of services.

Right-clickApplication Identityand hitStart. Restart the computer.

Having trouble with the Start button as soon as you restart your computer or whenever there’s a Windows update? It could have something to do with your Windows account. Uncoupling your account from the PC could be the solution.

Go toSettings(Windows + I) >Accounts>Sign-in Options.

Scroll down until you find thePrivacyoptions.

Turn off the option to use your sign-in info to set up your device after an update or restart.

Create New Admin Account

If you have no personal attachment to your current admin account, creating a new one is worth considering. Try creating a fresh admin account and see if the missing Start button issue resolves itself in the process.

Note: Replace ACCOUNTNAME with your preferred username. Same with PASSWORD.

Tick the box that enables the account to have administrative privileges.

If the new account shows no issues, transfer all your settings from the old account. Log back into your flawed account.

Go toControl Panel(Go toRunand typeControl Panel) >System>Advanced System Settings.

Go to theAdvancedtab. ClickSettingsunderUser Profiles.

Select your new profile and clickCopy To.

Check Your Apps

Have you been installing new apps lately? It’s possible that the Start Menu issue stems from an app you’ve recently installed. Uninstall all new apps and see if that fixes the problem.

To uninstall an app, go toSettings(Windows+I).

Go toApps>Apps & Features. Scroll down the list of apps until you find the one you’re looking for. Click the name of the app and clickUninstall.

Alternatively, you can uninstall all your apps through Powershell. Go to Run (Win + R) and typePowershell. Make sure you right-click the Powershell icon and run it as an administrator. Type the following command:

Restart your computer and see if the Start button works again. Enjoy!

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to ’80s speed metal.Read Christopher’s Full Bio

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What to Do If Your Windows 10 Start Menu Doesn’t Work?#

Restart#

Look for Corrupted Files#

Restart Windows Explorer#

Start Application Identity Service#

Turn Off Sign-in Info#

Create New Admin Account#

Check Your Apps#

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