How to Fix the Non-Functional Windows 10 Start Menu | 7 Solutions?

The Start button is one of the most crucial components of a Windows computer. This guide will demonstrate how to resolve the Windows 10 Start menu not working issue using various methods.

Since its initial release in 2015, Windows 10 has gained an increasingly large user base. To date, the percentage of users on Windows 10 is nearing 80%. With each update, it introduces numerous new features that please users. However, users also encounter various issues while using Windows 10.

The "Windows 10 Start menu not working" or not opening is a common issue that bothers many users. Occasionally, the Start menu may crash and become unresponsive, or it might not open at all when you click the Start menu button.

In this post, we will discuss the reasons behind the Windows 10 Start menu not opening or freezing, and provide effective solutions to fix the problem.

Why Isn't the Windows 10 Start Menu Working?

Before diving into the solutions, let's briefly understand the causes behind the Windows 10 Start menu not opening. The primary reasons include:

Here are the translations for the provided text:
• Some operating system files related to the start menu are corrupted
Translation: Some operating system files associated with the Start menu are corrupted.
• Cortana temporary files are corrupted
Translation: Cortana's temporary files are corrupted.
• An unspecific Windows update bugs cause the start menu to freeze
Translation: An unspecified bug in a Windows update causes the Start menu to freeze.
• The start menu under a specific Windows account crashed
Translation: The Start menu has crashed under a particular Windows account.
• Windows Explorer on your system is expired or contains corrupted files
Translation: Windows Explorer on your system is either outdated or has corrupted files.

How to Fix the Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working - 7 Solutions

Now that we know what may cause this Start Menu not working issue, we can take the fixes below to troubleshoot. And if you find this post helpful in solving the Windows 10 Start Menu not working issue, please share it via the social buttons.

Heads up: Before trying any of these solutions, make sure to back up your important files. None of us can afford to lose crucial data.

Method 1: Sign Out and Sign Back In to Your Account

If there's an issue with your user account, the Start menu might be crashing or missing. In this case, try signing out of and back into your user account to fix the problem.

Important: Signing out of your account will close all the documents and applications you're running. Make sure to save your files before logging out.

Step 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously. Click "Sign out".

Sign out Account

< strong >Step 2. < /strong >Wait for a few moments. Then, you will be on the login screen again.

Step 3. Type your password to log back into your account. Check if the Start menu is working properly. If not, try the other methods below.

Method 2: Restart Windows Explorer

File Explorer controls and serves the start menu, taskbar, and other applications. If it fails and doesn't work correctly, you may encounter the issue where the Windows 10 start menu doesn't open. To address this problem, you can attempt to restart File Explorer using the Task Manager.

Step 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys and click "Task Manager".

Find Task Manager

Step 2. Click "More details" to see a full list of open programs and background processes running on Windows 10.

Check more details

Step 3. Scroll through the list to find "Windows Explorer". Right-click it and choose "Restart".

Restart Windows Explorer

Wait for the process to complete. Once Windows Explorer has restarted, click to open the Start menu and check if it's working. If the Start menu still isn't functioning properly, proceed to the next fix.

Way 3: Run SFC Scanner for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can cause Windows to act up, including a non-functional Start menu. You can utilize Windows' built-in System File Checker (SFC) scanner to scan and repair the system files to address the issue.

Step 1. Right-click the "Start" button and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)".

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run a full system scan.

Read Also: SFC scannow There is a system repair pending

Way 4. Use DISM Tool

If the SFC tool isn't helpful, don't worry; proceed with using the DISM tool to scan and repair your system to resolve the frozen Windows 10 Start menu issue.

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, then type: cmd to open the "Command Prompt."

Step 2. Type the following command and press "Enter".

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3. Wait for the process to complete. Then, restart your computer and see if the Start menu opens correctly.

Way 5: Check for Windows Updates

If the Windows 10 start menu not working issue is related to system bugs or defects, you can fix it by upgrading your system to the latest version.

Microsoft is continually improving its Windows 10 operating system, so it's a good idea to keep your system up to date.

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Click on "Update & Security" and choose "Check for updates" under Windows Update.

"Check for Windows Update"

Step 3. If there is a new Windows update available, click "Install Now" and follow the instructions to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.

Way 6: Create New Xaml Start Menu Values in the Registry

The Windows 10 Start menu not opening issue might also be related to your registry.

When Microsoft transitions to the new Windows 10 Start Menu, it involves launching the XAML process that powers the menu. To enable the XAML Start Menu, you need to create and set the EnableXamlStartMenu entry in the Windows Registry.

Some users report that they've managed to fix this issue by creating a new value in the registry. You can try this solution, as shown below.

Step 1. Press the Win + R keys to open the Run box. Type regedit to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

Step 3. In the right-hand panel, right-click the empty space and choose "New > DWORD (32-bit) value".

Create new values

Step 4. Name the new DWORD EnableXamlStartMenu. Next, exit the Registry Editor and restart Windows Explorer. This should restore the Start menu's functionality.

Rename the Start Menu:

Method 7: Boost System Performance

To ensure that all utilities in Windows 10 function properly, including the Start menu, it's crucial to run the operating system in an optimal environment. This typically means having a sufficiently large system drive and preferably using an SSD (Solid State Drive) for the system disk.

When your system drive (C drive) is out of space, Windows 10 won't function properly, and you'll encounter numerous issues. To conveniently expand the C drive, you can utilize a tool like tools Partition Master. This tool allows you to allocate free space from other drives to the system drive without any data loss.

Download this free Windows 10 disk management utility to expand your C drive following the step-by-step instructions below. If you plan to upgrade your system disk from HDD to SSD and migrate your operating system to SSD, the Partition Master tool can assist you.

Option 1. Extend System C drive with unallocated space This option refers to expanding the System C drive by utilizing the available unallocated space on your computer's hard disk. Unallocated space is essentially free space that is not assigned to any existing partition or drive. By extending the C drive, you can increase its capacity and provide more room for storing files, programs, and system updates. To do this, you typically need to use a disk management tool, such as the built-in Disk Management utility in Windows operating systems. The process involves resizing the C drive boundary to incorporate the unallocated space, which results in an enlarged C drive without losing any data. This can be particularly useful if your C drive is running low on storage and you have spare space on another drive or partition.

1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move". 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive, then click "OK". 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operations and expand the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space This option refers to expanding the System C drive (typically the primary partition where the operating system is installed) even if there is no unallocated space available adjacent to it. In this scenario, you would need to use a disk management tool or software that can move partitions, resize them, and allocate the free space from another drive to the System C drive. This process usually involves resizing other partitions to create contiguous unallocated space for the C drive to expand into.

1. Right-click on a large partition with sufficient free space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space". 2. At the "Allocate Space From (*) To" section, choose the system drive, and drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task." This will display the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend the System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 Extend the System Drive without Unallocated Space.

In Brief

A non-functional or non-opening Windows 10 Start menu can be frustrating, as it prevents access to apps and settings. There are several methods to fix this issue. You can use the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to scan and repair corrupted system files, restart the Windows Explorer process, update Windows 10 to the latest version, and more.

Hopefully one of the methods in this article can solve the Windows 10 Start menu freezing issue, and you can use it normally.