Windows 10 Start menu not working

The Start Menu is one of the most important features in Windows 10. It gives you quick access to apps, settings, search, and power options. However, sometimes you may notice Windows 10 Start Menu does not open or respond when clicked. In some cases, it freezes, becomes unresponsive, or doesn’t launch at all, even after restarting the PC. Users on Microsoft forums and tech communities report:

  • Start Menu not responding after clicking the Windows icon.
  • Start Menu not working properly after a Windows update.
  • Start Menu freezing or crashing, even restarting won’t help.

Well, corrupted system files, conflicting third-party apps, or a corrupted user profile are some of the common reasons why the Windows 10 Start Menu stops working. Whatever the reason, here is how to troubleshoot and restore the Start Menu function in Windows 10.

Why Is the Start Menu Not Opening?

Well, the exact cause of this problem varies on different combinations of PC environments. It could be a buggy Windows update installation, system files corrupted or missing, any Third-party programs, especially the PC optimizer and antivirus, are misbehaving, and more.

  • Corrupted system files – Missing or damaged files can break essential system functions.
  • Problematic updates – A recent Windows update may introduce bugs affecting the Start Menu.
  • Glitches in Windows Explorer – Since the Start Menu runs under Explorer, crashes can prevent it from working.
  • Corrupted user profile – If your Windows account is broken, the Start Menu may stop functioning.
  • Third-party conflicts – System utilities, antivirus programs, or custom start menu apps can interfere.

Restart the Shell & Start menu processes

The Start Menu runs inside the Explorer/Shell host processes. Restarting those processes refreshes the UI in memory, clears transient hangs/crashes, and often restores Start functionality.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager.
  • Under Processes, find Windows Explorer → right-click → Restart.
  • If Start still fails, open the Details tab, find StartMenuExperienceHost.exe (and ShellExperienceHost.exe / SearchHost.exe), right-click → End task (they will auto-restart).

Now press the Windows key on the keyboard or click on the Start menu icon, check it’s open and working as expected.

Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases security updates with various bug fixes and security improvements. If your Start Menu issue is tied to a known bug, updating Windows ensures you get the latest fixes.

  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates.
  • Install any pending updates and restart your PC.

Windows update

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

System corruption is one of the most common reasons for the Start Menu not opening. SFC (System File Checker) scans and repairs corrupted system files, while DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) fixes deeper Windows image issues that SFC cannot handle.

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.

  • Type command sfc /scannow and hit the enter key.
  • Windows will now run a scan on your file system and try to repair corrupted ones.

system file checker utility Windows 10

  • Once the SFC command is completed, run the DISM restore health command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
  • Again, it may take some time depending on the system corruption level. Once done, restart your PC and test the Start Menu.

Re-register the Start Menu Using PowerShell

Sometimes the Start Menu app package gets corrupted and causes the Start Menu to not open or work. By re-registering it with PowerShell, you restore the missing or broken components, allowing the Start Menu to function again.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Go to File > Run new task.
  • Type PowerShell, check Create this task with administrative privileges, and click OK.
  • Enter the following command and press Enter:

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

Wait until the process finishes, then restart your PC. For most users, running the above Command fixes the start menu problem on their Windows 10 PC.

Create a New User Account

If the problem lies within your user profile, the Start Menu won’t work correctly. Creating a new account generates a fresh profile with uncorrupted system settings, which often resolves the issue.

  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  • Select Add someone else to this PC.
  • Follow the prompts to create a new account.
  • Log in with the new account and test the Start Menu.

Create user account win 10

 

Restart Windows Search / SearchHost

If you have noticed Windows 10 start menu search not working, or not showing results, we recommend to check the Windows search service is running.

  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc and click ok
  • This will open the Windows services console. Scroll down and locate Windows Search,
  • Right-click on Windows Search Service and select Restart.
  • If the service not started, double-click on it to open the properties.
  • Change the startup type to automatic, and start the service next to the service status.

windows search service

If none of the fixes work, resetting Windows 10 reinstalls the system files while allowing you to keep your personal files. This eliminates corruption and ensures a fresh Start Menu installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my Windows 10 Start Menu not opening?
It usually happens due to corrupted system files, broken Start Menu processes, third-party app conflicts, or issues caused by recent Windows updates.

2. Can corrupted updates cause the Start Menu to stop working?
Yes. Faulty updates sometimes break Start Menu components. Uninstalling the update or waiting for Microsoft’s patch usually resolves it.

3. What is StartMenuExperienceHost.exe, and why does it matter?
It’s the process that controls the Start Menu in Windows 10. If it crashes or hangs, the Start Menu won’t open. Restarting or re-registering it often helps.

4. Will resetting Windows 10 fix the Start Menu problem?
Yes. Resetting reinstalls Windows system files and built-in apps, which guarantees a working Start Menu, though it should be a last resort.

5. How do I prevent Start Menu issues in the future?
Keep Windows updated, avoid third-party Start Menu tweaks, use trusted antivirus software, and create restore points before major updates.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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2 COMMENTS

    • sir try to reinstall the cortana app

      Press Shift + Ctrl + Esc Key simultaneously. on Task manager click on file -> Run New Task -> Type PowerShell -> Tick mark on Create this task with Administrative privileges -> click OK.

      Now Type Bellow command and hit enter key to execute the command.

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

      Still need help feel free to discuss.

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