Critical error: your Start Menu isn't working. How to deal with this issue?
In this article you will find out:
- how to fix Start Menu critical error for Windows 10, 11 OS
- how to protect your data with Partition Recovery
Are you ready? Let's read!
Start Menu does not work? Here is how to fix this issue for Windows 10, 11 OS
You cannot access the Start button? It’s most likely due to the critical error that occurs to the Start Menu in Windows 10.
The first thing you should do is restart your computer, even several times. If this does not help, then you can proceed to more complex options for fixing this problem. Let’s take it from the top.
Check OS updates. Install the recent Windows 10, 11 update if it is available
- Open the Run window with the Windows + R keys.
- Here, enter ms-settings and click "OK".
- In the new window, click on "Settings", then click on "Update & Security".
- Click "Check for Updates", then the Wizard will appear.
- Follow its instructions, and you will install the latest update.
Start Menu troubleshooter: efficient way to deal with a critical error
The troubleshooter does an excellent job of dealing with the Start Menu’s critical error. Checking the system this way will give you time to find the root cause of the problem with the Start button.
Enable and immediately disable the Safe Mode
This method will help you get rid of the problem permanently or temporarily, as luck would have it.
1. Start the system and press Windows Key + L.
2. Then press the "Power" button and hold "Shift" on the keyboard.
3. Restart your computer to load options and go to Troubleshoot.
4. In Advanced Options, open Startup Options and click on Restart.
5. After rebooting, press F5 to access Safe Mode.
In fact, you don't need to do anything else, just restart your computer.
Go to previous State point of your Windows 10, 11 OS
This method will really help you.
However, it is worth remembering that returning the current operating system to an earlier state will erase data on the system disk. Therefore, you need to back up your data or restore it using DI Partition recovery. This application is the safest and most effective on the market today.
Get rid of your Dropbox and antivirus software
If you own the Dropbox application, you will have to uninstall it to get rid of Windows 10/11 critical error that occurs to the Start Menu. For some reason, this utility makes it problematic to use the Start button.
In addition, the antivirus can also abuse its duties and cause an investigated error. Therefore, at least temporarily remove it and check the status of the Start button.
Hide Cortana from Taskbar
Hover over the taskbar and right-click, then simply select Cortana. Select the "Hidden" option and restart your computer.
Go to previous State point of your Windows 10, 11 OS
1. Log out of your current account and go to another account; for example, admin1.
2. Now, press Windows Key + R at the same time and enter %localappdata%.
3. Press Enter and, in the new window, find the TileDataLayer folder - delete it.
You can now go back to your regular account. You're in luck if the problem is resolved!
Use Task Manager to end some processes
This can be done using the Task Manager - press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the Processes tab. Here, locate the Local Security Center process, right-click it, and select “End Task”.
This is followed by a restart of the computer. After that, everything should be fine!
Turn off Internet Explorer
Open Run and type appwiz.cpl, then click “OK”.
Under Programs and Features, find Internet Explorer, turn it off, and then restart your computer.
Moving the database folder: how to use this option
1. So, in the command line on behalf of the administrator, you need to enter the following commands one by one:
net user / add admin1 password1, press Enter.
net user / add admin2 password2, press Enter.
network administrators of the local group admin1 / add, press Enter.
network administrators of the local group admin2 / add, press Enter.
2. Now, you need to copy the TileDataLayer folder to transfer. To do this, go to the admin1 account and restart your computer.
3. Go to admin2, account, and navigate to C: Users folder admin AppData Local File DataLayer.
4. Here, find the folder with the database, select it with the right mouse, and click "Copy".
5. After that, go to the C: UsersYour_usernameAppDataLocalTileDataLayer folder in order to change the Database folder name in Database.old.
6. Next, insert the new database folder, restart your computer, and go back to your main account. .
Refresh your OS
First, you need to log out of your current account (press Windows Key + L). Then press the power button and hold down the Shift key, now select “Restart”.
After that, go to Troubleshoot and select “Update your PC”.
Then follow the instructions in the wizard to complete the update. You may need a Windows 10/11 installation USB drive, be prepared for that.
In order to protect your data, you need good software, of which there are a lot on the Internet
UT do not start your search right away, as this is where the best software is - DiskInternals Partition Recovery.
Since it is completely free of charge, you can recover data and create a disk image, if necessary. This application will recover files of all formats without limit. You can try the free, fully-functional trial version of DiskInternals Partition Recovery right now. You will make sure that this product can be used even by beginners (the Recovery Wizard will help you with this). Exporting files is optional, but you can do it at any time by purchasing a license online. Be sure to use this option, so you get unlimited access to the recovered files.
Go to previous State point of your Windows 10, 11 OS
How to return the Start Menu back to normal?
To do this, right-click on any empty area on the taskbar and select Properties. From the menu at the bottom, select Bottom, and save your changes.
How to unfreeze Start Menu?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time and thus open the Task Manager. Then right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
Why is the Start Menu not working?
Usually, this indicates that there is a hung unfinished process due to certain errors.