Windows 10: Critical error - start menu isn't working

So I have had a new Dell Vostro with Windows 10 Professional for a little over a month. A couple of days ago Microsoft updated with KB4524147, which broke the print spooler. Took a few hours to figure that out, then rolled back the update and that fixed it. Today, 2 new cumulative updates were delivered. After rebooting, the dreaded Critical Error - start menu isn't working error came up. Tried rebooting a few times, no luck. Read the litany of complaints going back for at least 4 years, with all the different suggestions on how to fix it.


I logged in as a different user (I had already created another user when I installed the machine), but I still got the error. I decided the updates were the culprit and initiated a system restore to 2 days ago. After it ran for an hour saying "initializing", then "restoring the registry" it popped up a message that said the restore was unsuccessful due to inability to access a file. Most likely due to antivirus running. So - before disabling my antivirus software and trying again I just clicked on the Start menu. And the Start menu came right up, no critical error. Perhaps system restore did have some effect - no idea what just happened. Having run Microsoft operating systems since DOS, NT, ME, 2000, 95, XP, and 7 I must say this is the most unreliable operating system I have seen. Even my company-issued Win 10 Dell Laptop blue screened today, for no apparent reason. This is a really disappointing experience. My advice to others is to make sure your system is saving restore points that you can go back to! Somehow I think there will be more trouble........

:)

 

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