Windows 10: Critical Error, Start menu isn't working.

I have had this problem for around two days now and I have been searching the internet for ways to fix this issue, let me break down my situation.

I built this computer on Christmas in 2020, I couldn't afford to buy the license for the official Windows 10 edition so I used the USB activate windows thing that people do, planning on buying windows in the future because it would be a good decision. My computer background went completely black and I have no way of changing it because I can't without full windows 10. Multiple times one drive has just removed things off of my desktop and taskbar, first, it was Steam and now it is Spotify, I can't fix Spotify without accessing the Microsoft store because...

One day when I logged on to my computer I tried to use the Start button/Windows button to get to Microsoft One Note but it brought up a popup message that stated: "Critical Error, Your start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in." I was taken aback at first but after trying to fix it I gave up and thought it wouldn't affect me, but not only can't I close the critical Error message, I can't use any Microsoft products including the settings! I don't know about you but I would say this is pretty annoying and I just want to get this out of my way, I have spent a lot of time just doing random things that people say with no success. Here are a couple of things I have already tried:

Scf or sfc I don't know which one it is

restarting and ending windows explorer

going into safe mode and back

running multiple lines of code into cmd and Powershell

pressing the "Sign out now" button on the critical error message it just gives me a black screen forever

and just genuinely restarting my computer.

I could see it being something about a windows update or may be missing drivers, if I am not mistaken I think sfc said there were some corrupt files but they couldn't do anything about it and I didn't know what to do with that information so if someone could even tell me what and how to do that I would like that.

:)

 

How to fix Critical Error - Your Start menu isn"t working.

Hi Barrett,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

As per your query, you get critical Error with Start menu not working on your system and we are glad to assist you to fix the issue.

This issue may occur due to corrupted Windows system files or due to any third party antivirus software installed on your system.

I suggest you to refer the following response created by Ravinath P on “Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”

“Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”

Disclaimer: Antivirus software can help protect the computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you should not disable the antivirus software. If you do have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it
as soon as you're done. If you are connected to the Internet or a network during the time the antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

As Microsoft Edge browser is not working. I suggest you to create a new user account profile and check, if it works.



Create a local user account in Windows 10:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/create-a-local-user-account-in-windows-10



Hope it helps. Reply with the result and I'll be happy to help you further.



Thank you.

 

Critical Error message that the Start menu isn't working

Hi Patti,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I understand your concerned. Let me help you to fix the issue.

To understand the issue better, please provide us more information.

• 
  What is the complete error message do you received?
  
• When exactly do you get this error message?

Let’s try simple troubleshooting steps and check if this helps in resolving the issue. I would suggest you to go to the below link and try the steps provided by Ravinath P

“Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”

“Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”

If the issue still persist, you can also visit the below link and try the steps.

Troubleshoot problems opening the Start menu or Cortana

Hope this helps. Please let us know the status.

 

Windows 10 start menu not working critical error

My Windows 10 start menu is not working. Critical error warning appears then it logs me out and resorts my PC. I have deleted my Dropbox.what other steps can I Take to get t it working again please