How To Fix: Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open [Ultimate Guide 2019]

Windows 10 start menu won’t open is one of the most commonly reported errors. You might encounter the error if you are using a faulty, corrupt, missing or outdated video or sound card driver. Another reason behind the error might be a third-party antivirus software installed in your computer. If the Dropbox is installed on your computer, you can encounter the same error. Go through the following procedures and fix the error immediately.

Measures To Resolve Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working

If you want to fix the Windows 10 no start menu, go through the steps given below:

Method 1: Relog Into Your Account

The primary method you can try to resolve the Windows 10 start menu not opening error is by logging into your account again. Follow the steps to log into your account.

1. Click on the Ctrl, Alt and the delete keys at the same time from your keyboard and then click on the Sign-out option.
2. Type the password and then log in again.
3. Now, check if the Start menu works

If upon logging into the account does not resolve the error, try out the other methods given below and fix the Windows 10 start menu won’t open error.

Method 2: Create A New User Account

If logging into the account again does not fix the Windows 10 no start menu error, create a new users account. Look at the steps given below:

1. Click on the taskbar and then click on the Task Manager.
2. When the window opens, you need to select the File option and then choose the Run new task.
3. Now, you need to type PowerShell and also tick on the box for Create this task with administrative privileges and then click on OK.
4. When the PowerShell window appears, you need to enter the “net user newusername newpassword /add” command and then press Enter.
5. Finally, reboot your system and then log into the new user account.

The error should resolve upon performing the procedure. However, if you are still encountering the same error, go through the next method.

Method 3: Reinstall Video Card And Sound Card Drivers

You can also fix the error by reinstalling the video card and the sound driver. If you reinstall the drivers, the faulty bugs will be removed and hence, you can work properly. To uninstall the drivers, go through the following steps:

1. Click on the Windows logo key and X at the same to open the Device Manager.
2. Now, you need to double-click on the Sound, video and game controller option and then select your audio card driver and click on the Uninstall device option.
3. When you are prompted with a notification, you need to tick the box beside the Delete the driver software for this device option and then click on Uninstall.
4. Restart your PC when both the drivers are uninstalled.

Now, you need to download the latest and the correct version of the driver that is compatible with your device. You can install the drivers both manually and automatically.
Manual Driver Update
To manually update the drivers, you need to visit the manufacturer’s website. When the site opens, locate the latest and the correct version of the driver. Now, click on the download option and then install it. The installation might take a few minutes to complete the process. Restart your PC when the process ends.
Automatic Update
However, you can also update the driver automatically. Go through the steps given below:

1. First, you need to run a full scan on your computer. Scanning will help to detect the problems with the drivers.
2. When the window opens, you will receive two options: Update and Update All.
3. If you want to install the drivers manually, click on the Update option. While downloading make sure the drivers are compatible with your PC. Alternatively, you can also select the other option. Upon selecting the Update All option, both the download and the installation of the drivers will be automatic.
4. The process might take a few minutes to complete. After the process ends, reboot your system and check if the error persists.

Method 4: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Programs

You may also encounter the Windows 10 start menu won’t open error if you have any third-party antivirus software installed in your PC. You can try to disable or remove them to fix the error you are encountering. To uninstall the software, you need to click on the Start option and then open Control Panel. When the window opens, click on the application that you want to remove and hit on the Uninstall the option. When the uninstallation ends, restart your system. Now, check if you are still struggling with the same error.

Method 5: Uninstall Dropbox

You might also encounter the issue if you have Dropbox installed in your device. Often the Dropbox conflicts with the Start menu causing difficulties to work properly. You can uninstall it to fix the error. Follow the steps given below:

1. Press on the Windows logo key and R at the same time, to open the Run dialog box.
2. When the window opens, type control and press the Enter key.
3. Now, you need to view by Category and then click on the Uninstall option to remove the program.
4. Now, you need to find the Dropbox and finally click on the ‘Uninstall Option’.

Method 6: Check And Repair Windows Files

You can also check and repair the Windows files to fix the Windows 10 start menu won’t open error. Go through the following steps given below:

1. Right, click on the taskbar and then you need to open the Task Manager.
2. When the window opens, select the File option and then choose Run new task.
3. Now, you need to type PowerShell and also tick on the box to create this task. Now, click on the OK option.
4. When the window opens, you need to type the sfc /scannow command and then press the Enter key. Wait until the process completes.
5. Now, copy and paste the following command and then press the Enter key.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Finally, check if the error resolves.

Method 7: Reinstall Cortana

If none of the methods work for you, reinstall the Cortana. The Cortana might malfunction causing this error. To reinstall it, follow the steps given below:

1. First, click on the taskbar on your desk and click to open the Task Manager.
2. When the Task Manager window appears, select on the File option and then choose Run new task.
3. Now, type PowerShell and make sure to tick the box for Create this task with administrative privileges. Then select the OK option.
4. Now enter the commands given below and hit the Enter key.
   Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMo
   de -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

You can also try this command:

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

5. When the Cortana is reinstalled, restart your PC and check if the error resolves.
   
   The procedures given above will probably help you when Windows 10 start menu not working.

There are just so many people out there that use Windows. And as such are vulnerable to such error message issues. In case you use many of the different Windows products, it can be the same for you.
And if you need information on how to troubleshoot these errors. Then you can get that form this website.