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Fix: Critical Error Start Menu Isn’t Working on a Windows PC
Running PC in safe mode is a quick way around the critical error
9 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Start Menu is one of the most valuable components of Windows 10. It allows us to access installed apps and settings quickly. However, sometimes the feature might not work as expected, and many reported aCritical Errorand that the Start menu is not working.
Besides, for some, theStart Menu kept disappearing. Regarding the problem at hand, users had an error message,Critical Error – Your Start menu isn’t working. We will try to fix it the next time you sign in, appear. So, let’s find out all about it.
What causes Critical error in Start Menu?
If yourStart Menu isn’t working in Windows 11, it may be followed by an error message. This can occur if thesystem files are corruptor damaged. Corrupt system files can also lead toCritical Process Died BSOD error, but luckily that’s not the case here.
Remember that these errors can affect other components; many reported a critical error in Cortana on Windows. Luckily, there are ways to fix these issues, and today we’ll show you how.
Problems with Start Menu can drastically affect your user experience. Speaking of problems, users reported the following issues with their Start Menu:
A critical error is a severe issue that affects the operations of a computer. When this error occurs, it forces the computer to stop its process and makes it impossible for the affected component to continue working.
To curtail this critical error and prevent lasting damage, a computer might start freezing or restarting.
What can I do if the Start Menu is not working?
Before trying the other solutions, here are a few quick workarounds that might work:
If these didn’t work, head to the fixes listed next.
1. Enter Safe Mode
Critical Error – Start menu not workingcan be troublesome, but users claim this error can be fixed byentering Safe Mode. Once done, verify if the Critical Error with Start Menu in Windows 10 is fixed.
2. Uninstall Dropbox/your antivirus software
Many users reported Dropbox as the main culprit forCritical Error – Start menu not workingerror. To fix this issue, you have to remove Dropbox from your computer.
After doing so, check if theCritical Error Your start menu isn’t workingin Windows Server 2016 error message disappears, in case you are using the particular version. The method would work on other iterations of the OS as well.
3. Temporary hide Cortana from Taskbar
Some users reported that Cortana is causing the Critical Error Start Menu not working issue. Hiding the icon from your Taskbar, in this case, should fix the problem.
4. Switch to a new admin account and delete the TileDataLayer directory
If theCritical Error – Start menu not workingmessage is showing on one user admin account, you can fix it by switching to another account and deleting the TileDataLayer directory. You can follow the steps above if you don’t have another account.
5. End Local Security Authority Process
To fix Critical Error – Start menu not working, it’s advised that you end Local Security Authority Process using Task Manager. You can now restart your PC and see if the error persists.
6. Disable Internet Explorer
7. Create two new administrator accounts and transfer the Database folder
This process requires you to create two administrator accounts, and we have to warn you that the process might seem a bit confusing at times, so try to follow the steps closely. If the issue is fixed, remove the administrator profiles you created.
Ifyour administrator account is disabled in Windows 10, find out how you can enable it in this helpful guide.
8. Make sure Windows is up to date
Microsoft is aware of the Critical Error Start Menu issue, and a permanent fix might be available through Windows Update. Therefore, ensure to download all the latest updates for Windows 10.
9. Reset Windows 10
If you’re still gettingCritical Error – Start menu not workingmessage, you might want to consider resetting Windows 10. This is the last resort but has proven effective in solving the issue.
How do I fix the Critical Error Start Menu on Windows 11?
The Critical Error Start Menu not working on Windows 11 can be caused by faulty system files. Also, it might be due to glitches in some processes on your PC. This can be fixed easily by restarting your computer.
Since the causes of the issue are similar to that of Windows 10, you can apply the fixes in our guide to solve it.
How do I check Critical Errors in Windows 10?
Critical Error – Start menu not workingcan be a significant problem and seriously affect your Windows 10 experience. The methods listed here would also work in the case of an HP laptop Critical Error with the Start menu.
Once you have fixed the problem, do not forget to check how toboost the PC’s performance.
If you have any other questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below, and we’ll surely take a look.
More about the topics:Fix Start Menu
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
