Microsoft has spent what feels like a lifetime getting the Start Menu right. In Windows 7, the Start Menu was intact; It provided deep links to your favorite files, had a search tool, and was mouse friendly. With Windows 10, Microsoft has once again introduced a mouse-friendly version of the Start Menu, but there’s a twist. Windows 10 users can also turn the Start Menu into a giant Start Screen with Live Tiles and deep links to their favorite Windows Store apps. Despite recent updates, there is an issue with Windows 10 that continues to grow its ugly face. Windows 10 Start Menu won’t open for some people.
Sometimes the Start Menu not opening is temporary. After a few moments, Windows 10 catches up on its own and fixes any problems that are going on in the background. Other times, the Windows 10 Start Menu won’t open for days, weeks, or permanently. When that happens, your Windows 10 device basically becomes a paperweight.
If the Windows 10 Start Menu is not opening for you, it’s time to go troubleshooting. Fortunately, tips from Microsoft itself and tricks from other users experiencing the issue should fix your issue.
Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open: Try Restarting
The first thing you should do when you have any problems with Windows 10 PCs is to save your work and reboot your machine. Of course, restarting your computer is difficult when you can’t get the Start Menu to appear in the first place.
Press and hold the button on your device to force it to shut down completely. Then press the power button again.
This trick is especially useful when dealing with a temporary Start Menu issue, for example your Start hasn’t loaded yet but has always loaded correctly in the past. Note that some devices have different button combinations for forced shutdown.
Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open: Check for Updates
Microsoft may have already fixed the problem that prevents your Start Menu from opening, but you have not yet received the required update.
If you suspect this might be possible, press and simultaneously on your keyboard. Now type in the text field, . Click .
Select , then click the button on the Windows Updates screen. If there are any pending updates, they are downloaded. You may need to restart your device after allowing the updates to run.
Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open: Start Menu Troubleshooter
A large number of people who have faced the startup problem stand out even today. This is despite the fact that Windows 10 was released almost a year ago. Microsoft is still aware of the problem though. The company has updated Windows 10 to fix what it can do. The company has also introduced the Start Menu Troubleshooter in case the updates don’t fix the problem.
Download the troubleshooter tool from Microsoft support website with your web browser, then from your Downloads folder and select . The tool contains software fixes to avoid the Start Menu issue. Note that this tool should also fix any issues you’re having opening Microsoft’s Cortana personal assistant.
Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open: Creating Another Account
In case the problem you see in your Start Menu is related to your own account, try creating a Local Account that you can use on the same computer. This will let you see if it’s a Windows related issue or an account specific issue.
You can create new accounts on the Accounts screen in the app. Click the option. If this is successful, you may consider converting this second Local Account to your main one by moving your files there and setting it up with your Microsoft Account. During the account creation process, be sure to click the text that says “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”.
Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open: Try Reset
If all else fails, Microsoft says it’s time to reset the Windows 10 setup and try again.
You can do this in the area. The option is in the menu. Before doing that, make sure you back up the photos, videos and anything else you want to keep from your account. This is just a precaution; If you have enough free space, Windows 10 will ask during installation whether you want to delete everything or keep your files. Note that the Keep Your Files option does not restore installed Desktop programs such as iTunes. You will have to reinstall everything that is not available in the Windows Store on your own.