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Windows 10 start menu won’t open: Quick Fix

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Windows 10 is generally a very well-polished, cohesive desktop experience. However, just like everything else in the tech world, it does have its own set of issues, bugs and glitches. 

In this article, we’re trying to resolve a bug that prevents your start menu from opening. 


Restart your computer

We’ve said it is million times over, and we’ll say it again — restarting your PC can fix more issues than you can count. So if you’re having just about any issue with Windows, the first thing you should try out is to restart your PC and try again. 

Also read: How to remove the ‘Activate Windows’ Watermark?


Check for corrupt files

Corrupt files are the number one reason why your PC might be behaving weirdly. Here’s how you can get rid of them and potentially resolve your issue. 

Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to bring up the Cortana/Search box and search for Powershell. Open Windows Powershell from the search results.

Windows 10 start menu won't open: 6 fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system for issues. 

Windows 10 start menu won't open: 6 fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problem, use the following command to resolve them. 

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Windows 10 start menu won't open: 6 fixes | Candid.Technology

Restart your PC and you should be able to access the start menu now. 

Also read: How to Record Macros in Windows 10?


Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes a glitch in Windows Explorer can cause certain Windows element to glitch out. Here’s how you can fix this.

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and click Task Manager.

Windows 10 start menu won't open: 6 fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Find the Windows Explorer process under the Processes tab, right-click it and click on Restart. 

Windows 10 start menu won't open: 6 fixes | Candid.Technology

It’ll take a minute before your desktop returns to normal. You should be able to access the start menu now. 


Rebuild the Windows Index

If your Windows data Index is corrupted, it can cause problems a lot worse than just your start menu not opening. Here’s how to rebuild the entire index.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type control /name Microsoft.IndexingOptions. and press enter. 

Windows 10 start menu won't open: 6 fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Click the Modify button in the bottom left.

Step 3: Click Show all locations.

Step 4: Uncheck all ticked locations. Then click the OK button.

Step 5: Now click Advanced followed by the Rebuild button under the Troubleshooting section.

Restart your PC and try again. 

Also read: How to fix the ‘Network Discovery is Turned Off’ error in Windows 10?


Use the Media Creation Tool

The Windows Media Creation tool is a great way to install Windows and repair the OS. Using this, you can perform a clean installation or repair your OS without affecting your personal data.

You can download the Media Creation Tool here

Reinstall Windows

If nothing else works, you’re going to have to reinstall Windows from scratch. Yes, you will lose all your data, but this is the one foolproof method that’ll resolve all issues you’re facing with your Windows installation. 

Also read: How to automatically delete files from recycle bin in Windows 10?

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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