Windows 10 can’t open start menu: Here’s some fixes

It’s no secret that Microsoft Windows 10 has had its share of issues since its release in 2015. One of the most commonly reported problems is the start menu not opening. Fortunately, there are a few fixes you can try.

In this article, we’ll show you how to fix the start menu on Windows 10 using four main methods: restarting Explorer, creating a new user by running the PowerShell command, and by resetting your PC.

Windows 10 can’t open start menu: Why It Happens

The Start menu is one of the most important features of Windows 10. It’s how you access your programs, settings, and files. So, what do you do when the Start menu stops working?

Corrupted User Profile

One common reason why the Start menu may not be opening is because of a corrupted user profile. To fix this, you can try creating a new user account and see if that solves the issue. If not, then it’s likely that there is an issue with a Windows system file. In this case, you can try running the System File Checker tool. This will scan for any corrupt files and restore them to their original state.

Cortana temporary files are corrupt

Cortana is Microsoft’s virtual assistant, offering users a helping hand with tasks both big and small. However, some users have reported that their Cortana experience has been less than ideal, with the software frequently becoming unresponsive or generating error messages. One possible explanation for these problems is that Cortana’s temporary files are corrupt or out of date. These files are used by the software to store information about your activities and preferences, and if they become corrupted, it can lead to errors and instability. If you’re experiencing problems with Cortana, one solution may be to delete these temporary files and allow the software to generate new ones. You can do this by opening the Cortana app and navigating to the “Settings” menu. From there, simply select the “Clear cache” option and confirm your choice. This will delete all of Cortana’s temporary files, which should help to stabilize the software and improve its performance.

Let’s see tips on how to fix this issue:

Restart Windows Explorer

If you’re having trouble opening the start menu in Windows 10, one potential fix is to restart Windows Explorer. You can do this by opening Task Manager (press CTRL+ALT+DEL and then click Task Manager) and then select the Processes tab. Find Windows Explorer in the list of processes, right-click it and select Restart. Once Explorer has restarted, try opening the start menu again. If restarting Explorer doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to take additional troubleshooting steps, scroll below for steps.

Scan for Corrupt System Files

If you’re having trouble opening the start menu in Windows 10, one possible solution is to scan for corrupt system files. This can be done by running the ‘SFC /scan now command in the Command Prompt. If any corrupted files are found, they will be replaced with a cached copy that should be free of corruption. Once the process is complete, restart your computer and see if the start menu is now working properly. If not, try running the ‘DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth’ command as well. This will attempt to repair any corruptions that may be present in your Windows image. After running this command, reboot your computer and see if the start menu issue has been resolved.

Creating a new user account

One way to fix the “Windows 10 can’t open start menu” error is to create a new user account. To do this, press the Windows key + R to open the Run box. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. Type “net user /add [username] [password]” and press Enter. This will create a new user account with the specified username and password. Once you have created the new account, log out of your current account and log in to the new account. Try opening the start menu. If it works, you can then transfer your files and settings from your old account to the new account.

Uninstall dropbox

If you’re having trouble opening the start menu in Windows 10, one potential fix is to uninstall or remove Dropbox. Some users have reported that this has resolved the issue for them. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can find instructions online or contact customer support for more help. In some cases, you may also need to restart your computer after uninstalling Dropbox before the start menu will work again.

Run windows update

One of the most common is a corrupt or outdated Windows Update. Fortunately, this is relatively easy to fix. Simply go to the Start Menu and type in ‘Windows Update.’ Once the Update panel opens, click on ‘Check for Updates.’ If any updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically. Once the process is complete, restart your computer and see if the Start Menu issue has been resolved. If not, there are a few other potential fixes that you can try. However, updating Windows should take care of the problem in most cases.

Reset your computer

Also See: How to Reset Intel NUC?

In most cases, the Start Menu will start working again if you reset your computer, however, use this as a last resort – as resetting your computer will wipe everything off your computer – your applications especially – you will be given an option to save your data though. To reset your computer, open the Settings app and go to the “Update & Security” section. Then, click on “Recovery” and select “Reset This PC.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete the reset process. Once your computer has been reset, the Start Menu should open as usual. If you continue to have trouble opening the Start Menu, you may need to reinstall Windows 10. However, resetting your computer should fix the problem in most cases.

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