Windows 10 Start Menu Won’t Open

PowerShell

This is a problem that has plagued me before so I figured I outta write about it now so I don’t have to go back and research it all over again.  You click that windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen and nothing happens.  Or you try and type something in the windows search bar right next to it and nothing happens.  Aggravation!

I was working on cleaning up my computer so after scanning registry files with some old Eusing software (not updated for Win10), 672 registry files were deleted.   Big mistake by me.  Anyway, all kinds of things went haywire.  Like the search feature didn’t work, screenshots didn’t work, double clicking photos or movies resulted in an error, and the start menu did not come up .  In fact the only way to pull up the basics in start menu  was to right click.  This is all caused by corrupt or missing system or registry files.

First thing you need to do is fire up Windows PowerShell and run as administrator.  If the search bar works you can put in PowerShell and select run as admin.  But, as in my case, that is not possible then you can use the Task Manager.  Open by right clicking the bottom task bar and select it.  Go to File/Run new task/ type powershell .  Check the Create this task with administrative privileges box, then OK.

First command: type sfc /scannow and press Enter.  Then wait, it will take a while.  It will say when it’s done.

PowerShell

Second command: type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and let it go through its process.

Third command: type Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} This will remove and reinstall Metro Modern Apps.

When these are all done, reboot and see if it works.  If not you may need to reinstall Windows 10 and that’s a whole other subject.

Author: Geoff

Quick rundown: Grew up in Lombard, Illinois, went to Arizona State University, worked as a CPA with Arthur Andersen & Co, then Laventhal and Horwath, then Rolling Stones, then Heron International, then Goodby Berlin and Silverstein in San Francisco. Moved to the foothills in 1990 and traded futures and designed websites. Married to Kate Stewart, now living in Colfax, CA. We have six grandchildren. I enjoy camping in our RV, hiking, kayaking, fishing, droning and cross country skiing Also conga drumming, photography and dogs.