Windows 10: Start button, Search button, Windows key no longer working after latest Windows 10 update

After the latest update my computer wouldn't even boot. Eventually after multiple lost count cold boots it would start, but many of them stalled. Eventually after getting to the start page, I though I was good. But no, as soon as a program or 2 was opened windows itself would crash. I use my laptop nearly exclusively for work. I spend close to 10 hours with IT to get the programs I needed up and running to work after losing 2 days, which means no pay for those 2 days. Unless I open those programs in a certain order and plug in my external devices needed in a certain order, I'm back to square one and the system hangs. I have to start with nothing, not even AC power plugged in which as of today, worked for the first time. My Start button, Search bar, and Windows button no longer work. I NEED a fully functional computer again!! I spent $1000 on this one, and it isn't in my budget to replace it, nor should I have to.

This is also happened with the update previous to this, although not on the same scale and I hadn't lost those key features which I need. Is there going to be a fix? A patch? All software is up to date, no viruses, no malware.

:)

 

HyperSLI (Enabling SLI on non-sli motherboards)

To turn off windows updates in windows 7 follow these steps:

Click the start button, in the search box type in 'windows updates', click on 'windows update'
in the search results list, in the left side of the windows update window click 'change settings'
then in the option bar select 'Never check for updates'.

 

Windows 10 START and SEARCH buttons don't work

For some reason both my main Windows button and Search buttons don't work. Other buttons on the Task Bar work as usual. Right click on either button gives a white-on-black context menu. Anyone have a suggestion, please?

 

Start Button Not Working?


What steps should be taken to diagnose a Windows 10 start button not working?