Windows 10: Most of my settings have disappeared, the settings app has also disappeared from start menu

here is what it looks like

:)

 

Disappearing Settings Menu from Start


This morning, I noticed that the "File Explorer" and "Settings" menu items have disappeared from the Start menu.

I manually typed in "Settings" and pinned it to the Start menu, but it showed up as a tile, which was not my intent. I removed the tile, and both "Settings" and "File Explorer" magically appeared in the Start menu (not as tiles) again.

What's going on here? Does Windows 10 automatically eliminate menu items from the Start menu if they are not being used often?

 

Disappearing Apps


My Windows 10 apps have disappeared and I cannot even open the start menu, I need help getting them back, any suggestions?

 

apps disappearing on the "start"

Hi Kevin,

We need to clarify some information first for us to better assist you on your Start menu concern. Kindly answer these questions:

• When did you notice that some of your apps that you've pinned are missing?
• Were there any changes made on your computer before encountering the issue?
• Do you remember what are the pinned apps that are missing in the Start menu? Do those apps disappear if you re-pin them?
• Upon seeing the screenshot, you've set the Start Menu to full screen. Can you see the missing pinned apps when disabling the full screen mode of Start menu? To disable the full screen mode of Start menu, follow these steps:
  • Click the Windows logo (Start button).
  • Click the gear icon (Settings).
  • Select Personalization.
  • On the left pane, choose Start.
  • Under Start, click he Use Start full screen slider to turn it off.
  • Check if you will see all of your pinned apps.
• Does the issue also occur when turning on Show more tiles on Start? You can turn on this option by accessing the Personalization settings page of Start.