Guide: Fix ‘Windows 10 Start Menu and Cortana Not Working’ Issue
If the Windows Start Menu and Cortana stop working on your computer, you won’t be able to quickly access files, launch apps, add tools or switch user profiles. This can be a major inconvenience as the Start Menu is the ultimate way to quickly get things done on your computer.
If you experience a ‘Critical Error’ message when attempting to use the Start menu and Cortana on your computer, four troubleshooting options are available to help resolve the issue.
When a Windows update is installed, users may experience difficulty accessing Cortana or the Start Menu. This can be caused by malware on the computer or antivirus software blocking these features. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to restore their functionality.
1. Log out of current profile
Signing out of your current profile and signing back in can help fix Start menu and Cortana errors on your computer. If you’re unable to sign out from the Start menu, there are other ways to do so. Here’s how.
The Windows key + X combination opens the quick access menu.
Right-clicking the bottom left corner of a PC screen provides access to additional options.
Tap the “Shut down or sign out” option, or move your mouse cursor over it.
Log out by selecting the Sign Out option.
If Cortana and the Start menu are not working, log out of your current profile and log back in. If that doesn’t fix the issue, restart your computer.
If the first approach fails, the next option should be explored.
2. Disable or update Antivirus
Users of Avast Antivirus may experience the error ‘Start menu and Cortana not working’ when attempting to use Cortana or activate the Start menu.
Updating your antivirus program to the latest version or one compatible with your PC’s operating system is essential if you’re having trouble accessing your computer’s Start menu or Cortana.
If Cortana and the start menu are not functioning properly after updating your antivirus, try removing them and restarting your computer to see if the issue is resolved.
3. Create a new user profile
Creating a new user profile can help fix the issue of Cortana and the start menu not working on PCs.
To achieve success, follow these steps.
Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows settings menu.
Choose ‘Accounts’ from the menu.
Navigate to the Accounts page and select ‘Family & Other Users’ in the right pane to complete Step 3.
Add someone else to your PC by scrolling to the Other users section and tapping the corresponding option.
To avoid creating an online Microsoft account, disconnect your PC from the internet before setting up a new user profile.
Enter the necessary details for your new profile, then tap ‘Next’.
Creating a profile without a password is an option, but using one will provide extra security for your account and files. To ensure full access, the next step is to grant administrator privileges to the new profile.
To change the account type of a newly created user profile, right-click and select ‘Change account type’.
Select an account type from the drop-down list by tapping the button.
Tap ‘OK’ to save the change as an admin.
Log out of the current profile and log in to the computer with a new one. This should restore the Start menu and Cortana functionality. Test this by switching back to the old profile to see if they are working as expected.
If the current approach fails, move on to the next option.
4. Register Cortana again
Resetting and reinstalling the Cortana app using Windows PowerShell can help fix Start Menu and Cortana issues, giving them a fresh start and restoring their functionality.
To achieve success, take the following steps: identify your goals, create a plan to reach them, and take consistent action.
Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run dialog box.
Enter ‘powershell’ into the box and hit ‘OK’ or ‘Enter’ to proceed.
The Windows PowerShell console can be launched with this command.
Enter the code into the PowerShell console to execute it.
The Windows Store app can be reinstalled by running a command that adds the AppxManifest.xml file from its install location to the system.
Restart your computer after a few seconds of waiting for the code to run.
PCs can now boot up without experiencing an error in the start menu or Cortana.
Back to the beginning
The start menu and Cortana are essential Windows features, but they can sometimes malfunction. To get them back up and running, try one of the troubleshooting tips provided. Don’t miss out on the benefits of a fully functioning PC – restore your start menu and Cortana today.
Having trouble accessing apps and programs on your Windows 10 PC? Here are 10 ways to fix the Start menu error and get back to work.
Fix ‘Windows 10 Start Menu and Cortana Not Working’ Issue: benefits
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Final note
If you’re having trouble with your Windows 10 Start Menu or Cortana, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love and spread the word!
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