Windows 10: Critical Error - Start Menu isn't working, Cortana not installed

Recently a few domain joined PCs updated from 1909 to the May 2020 Update 2004, and now two users with roaming profiles have an issue, that after signing in and trying to open the Start Menu, they get an error message about a "Critical Error. Your Start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in." with a "Sign out now" button.


But signing out and back in doesn't resolve the issue. They immediately get the same error again.


After reading through https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/start-layout-troubleshoot I found that the ShellExperienceHost IS installed, whereas Cortana seems to be NOT.


When I run the Powershell command get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana I only get a command prompt. No output at all.


Another page suggested to install Cortana from the Windows Store, but the store App doesn't start, either, and when I click on the "Get" button on the website, it probably wants to start the App Store, which doesn't start.

Trying to install Cortana via Powershell Command doesn't seem to work.



When I sign out, and sign in with another user, the Start menu works.


I then tried to reset the affected user profiles. I moved the whole roaming profile folder on the file server to a backup folder. Then I moved the local user folder to a backup folder as well.

In the registry, I deleted the profile entry from HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Profile List


After rebooting, the start menu is still not working for that user.


I then also tried WSRESET.exe to try to get the Windows Store app running, so I could try to install Cortana.

But after the WSRESET is finished, I get an error message that I need a newer app to open ms-windows-store links.


So I took a spare PC, and did a fresh, clean install of Windows 10 2004 from an USB Stick created with the Media Creation tool.

After joining the Domain and installing all Windows Updates, I again cleared the roaming Profile from the file server.


The user signed in on the newly installed PC and immediately got the Critical Start Menu Error again.


What can I do to get the Start menu working for that user again?

:)

 

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.

 

Critical Error Your start menu isn't working

Hi Lesley,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for posting your query.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you. Let me help you to fix the issue.

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 suggestion provided Ravinath P.

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

Hope it helps. Keep posting us with the status we will be glad to help you.

 

Critical Error: Your Start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in.

Hi Sameer,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand that you are having a tough time working on the computer.

I will certainly help you to resolve the issue.

• 
  What all steps you have tried to resolve the issue?
  

I suggest you to refer to the following article and check if it helps.

“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.”

Also, see: 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.

Hope it helps.

Let us know the status, we are glad to assist you further.