How To Fix ‘Windows 10 Start Button Not Working’

Many users of Windows 10 have reported an occasional problem wherein the Start Button Not Working. The Start menu won’t open on repeatedly clicking the Start button or Windows key. Often, the Start button disappears altogether.

Since the Start icon is closely linked to the taskbar, usually, this problem also affects the taskbar. Recently-used apps that are pinned to the taskbar cannot be accessed if the taskbar is not working or freezes. Thus, this problem is troubling for many Windows users.

There can be many possible causes for Windows 10 Start Button Not Working problem. Most users report this issue after updating Windows. Whatever the causes, there are specific solutions to the problem. In case you are facing this problem, this article is intended to help.

The Windows 10 Start button is arguably one of the most frequently used and essential features of the operating system. It’s your gateway to apps, settings, and much more. But what happens when the Start button stops working?

If you’re facing this issue, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of a non-responsive Start button in Windows 10, and we’ll guide you through the steps to fix it and even reset your Start button.

Causes of Windows 10 Start Button Not Working

Understanding the root of the problem is the first step in resolving it. Here are some common causes for a non-functional Start button:

1. Corrupt System Files: A corrupt file can throw several features out of whack, including the Start button.
2. Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of Windows 10 might result in this issue.
3. Third-Party Software Conflicts: Sometimes, other software installed on your PC can interfere with Windows functionalities.
4. User Account Issues: A corrupt user profile can also be a culprit.
5. Windows Updates: Ironically, some Windows updates that aim to fix bugs can create new ones.

How to Solve Windows 10 Start Button Not Working

The following are the techniques to fix the problem of the Start menu or taskbar of Windows 10 not working.

Solution 1: Restart the PC

For a vast range of problems, a simple system restart proves useful. Glitches like the one being discussed are often momentary, and restarting Windows may solve it.

Since the Start menu is not working, the Restart option cannot be accessed in it. Thus, an alternative way has to be used to restart. Simultaneously press Alt + F4, then Shut Down and Restart options will appear — select restart. After rebooting, check if the error is fixed.

Solution 2: Close/Uninstall Antivirus Program

Interference by a third-party antivirus program is a possible cause of the problem. Temporarily disable or uninstall the program and check whether the Windows 10 Start Button Not Working problem is fixed.

If the Start menu or taskbar resumes normal functioning, the antivirus program was indeed responsible. In such a case, consider using another antivirus. In the meantime, make sure the Windows Defender is enabled and working fine, as the system must not be without protection.

Solution 3: Create a New User Account

Often, creating a new user account and logging into Windows through it help solve such problems. Following are the steps to create a new account:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open settings.

Step 2: In Settings, select Accounts.

Step 3: Select “Family and other people” option.

Step 4: Chose “Add someone else to this PC.”

Step 5: Then, select the “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” option.

Step 6: After that, click on “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”

Step 7: Finally, create the username and password of the new account, and click Next.

Alternatively, you can also create a new user account through a Powershell command. Open Powershell in the way described under the previous method. Then run the following command:

net user newusername newpassword /add

Here, “new username” and “new password” refer to your new username and password, respectively. Create a username and password of your choice and mention them in their places.

Then, log into your new account and check whether the problem has stopped. If yes, start using this account. Transfer all files of the previous account to this one.

Solution 4: Use Command Prompt and Powershell

Running code in Powershell is another way to fix the error. You can do this through Command Prompt, or directly in the Powershell window.

To use Powershell through Command Prompt, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in Run dialogue box (open Run by pressing Windows + R) and make sure to run as administrator.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt type “Powershell,” and hit Enter.

Step 3: Next, copy-paste the following code and press Enter to run it:

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

Alternatively, you can directly access Powershell. Just write “PowerShell” in the Run dialogue box. After that hit Enter.

Then copypaste the code mentioned above, and press Enter. Restart Windows after this and check whether the Windows 10 Start Button Not Working error is resolved through this method.

Solution 5: Update Windows 10 with New ISO

Usually, Windows 10 keeps installing updates automatically. However, auto-updates may miss out on certain key aspects. The problem with the Start menu may be due to update-related issues. Thus, a successful Windows update may fix the problem.

Following are the steps in manually installing updates:

Step 1: Enter Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Step 2: In Settings, select Update and Security.

Step 3: Click on “Check for updates” option. If any updates are available, they should be installed automatically in the background. Once the installation is complete, check whether the problem has been rectified.

You can also update your Windows successfully through an ISO file or Media Creation Tool.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft website and download the media creation tool.

Step 2: After downloading, open Windows Explorer (press Windows + E) and select the .exe file and run it.

Step 3: Select Download and Install Updates.

How to Fix the Start Menu Not Opening

Here are some of the most effective methods to resolve the issue:

Method 1: Restart Windows Explorer

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Locate ‘Windows Explorer’ in the list.
3. Right-click and choose ‘Restart’.

Method 2: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

1. Open ‘Settings’ (Win + I).
2. Navigate to ‘Update & Security’.
3. Click ‘Troubleshoot’ on the left panel.
4. Click on ‘Additional troubleshooters’.
5. Run the ‘Windows Start Menu Troubleshooter’.

Method 3: Use PowerShell

1. Right-click on the taskbar and choose ‘Task Manager’.
2. Click ‘File’ then ‘Run new task’.
3. Type PowerShell and check the box for ‘Create this task with administrative privileges’.
4. Enter Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter.

Method 4: Create a New User Profile

If a corrupt user profile is causing the issue, creating a new one might help. Follow the standard procedure in Windows settings to create a new profile and check if the Start button works there.

How to Reset Your Start Button

If none of these solutions work, you may consider resetting the Start button. There are several ways to reset the Start menu to its default settings, including performing a ‘Repair Install’ of Windows 10, which keeps your files and apps but resets all Windows settings.

Similar Posts:

• Windows Spotlight not Working
• YouTube Not Working
• NVIDIA GeForce Experience Not Working
• Discord Overlay Not Working

Conclusion

Thus, the various ways to fix the Windows 10 Start Button Not Working issue of the Start menu and taskbar not working have been discussed. Apart from the solutions mentioned, there are specific other general steps which you may take.

Since corrupted files or data may be a cause, an SFC scan may detect any such corruption and help solve the problem. You can refresh or reinstall Windows OS. It is lengthy and complicated. However, at least one of the above methods must ideally work, and other ways should not be necessary.

The problem regarding the Start menu or taskbar is usually temporary and can be resolved through any of the simple methods. A malfunctioning Start button can severely hamper productivity and become a major nuisance.