Windows 10: Desktop/Start Menu not clickable - I have to open task manager to fix

Windows PowerShellCopyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> sfc /scannowBeginning system scan. This process will take some time.Beginning verification phase of system scan.Verification 100% complete.Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthDeployment Image Servicing and Management toolVersion: 10.0.16299.15Image Version: 10.0.16299.192[==========================100.0%==========================] The restore operation completed successfully.The operation completed successfully.PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> chkdsk /scanThe type of the file system is NTFS.Volume label is Windows.Stage 1: Examining basic file system structure ... 568832 file records processed.File verification completed. 6850 large file records processed. 0 bad file records processed.Stage 2: Examining file name linkage ... 317 reparse records processed. 712948 index entries processed.Index verification completed. 0 unindexed files scanned. 0 unindexed files recovered to lost and found. 317 reparse records processed.Stage 3: Examining security descriptors ...Security descriptor verification completed. 72059 data files processed.CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal... 36263040 USN bytes processed.Usn Journal verification completed.Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.No further action is required. 240634362 KB total disk space. 72708040 KB in 308915 files. 234972 KB in 72060 indexes. 0 KB in bad sectors. 682470 KB in use by the system. 65536 KB occupied by the log file. 167008880 KB available on disk. 4096 bytes in each allocation unit. 60158590 total allocation units on disk. 41752220 allocation units available on disk.PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> net user test /addThe command completed successfully.PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

 

I have seen an issue like this before, but the way it would happen, is that, on a boot, everything would work fine, but, as the computer set and idled for about 10 Minutes or so, nothing worked, such as start menu, couldn't close out windows, etc.

The cause is explorer.exe hangs, and stopping and restarting the program would temporarily fix the issue.

The problem ended up being that a RAM stick was failing. Did a memtest for 24 hours and one of the ram sticks reported errors after about 4 hours.

I replaced the RAM stick and the problem went away.

One year later the motherboard failed, so I had to build a new system.

You should download memtest and do a memory diagnostic, just to rule out any memory issues.

 

Both users have an issue
I am trying the last powershell thing.

 

Hi, what sort of PC do you have? There's nothing in your specs (see mine for comparison).

What are you using to 'click'?

- touch? wired mouse? wireless mouse? touchpad?

As it doesn't occur in Safe Mode, it's not your graphics, and presumably not a 3rd party program.

Please complete your specs (there's a tutorial on that if unsure). Thanks.

- do you mean maximise the task manager window?

What happens if you launch the task manager, then using that restart explorer?

 

Please update the system specs in the "My Computer" section:

System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums:
System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums Site Use Tutorials
In the left corner below in your post you find 'My System Specs'.
After clicking it you can find a link a little below that says 'Update your System Spec', click on this link to get to the page where you can fill in your system specs.
System Info - See Your System Specs - Windows 7 Help Forums


Include PSU. cooler, case, peripherals and anything attached to the computer by wired or wireless (mouse, keyboard, headset, printer, xbox, etc.)

What is the status of the files on the computer?
Are the files backed up?
Had a backup image been made?
Would you be able to perform a reset with save files (all applications would be removed)?
Would you be able to perform a reset with remove files (similar to clean install)?

The command in post #13 is the reset the start menu.
Had you already tired an in place upgrade repair?

If the above steps fail please boot to the windows advanced troubleshooting menu and click on system restore.
Indicate the availability of restore points.