Windows 10: Start menu and Search/Cortana do not function

Sometimes Start menu and Search/Cortana buttons become frozen and only after hard boot they work.

:)

 

START AND SEARCH FUNCTIONS DO NOT WORK IN WINDOWS 10 - BUILD 10240

Start button will NOT function!!! I cannot find recovery function in this computer. Search function (Cortana) is non-functional. How can I initiate recovery and restore functionality of Start menu, search menu and access my power function, programs
and apps??? HELP!!!

 

cortana and Edge do not function, Start Menu says Critical Error

Original title: Windows 10 repair

I downloaded windows 10 when it was first available. Now cortana and Edge do not function. Start Menu has pop up that says Critical Error....Sign out. How do I fix this??????

 

I've had the same problem with the start menu being unresponsive after the latest updates.

I was in a game, & the sound just died. Alt tabbed to desktop, & noticed the start menu wouldn't come up. Tried to restart by right clicking the start menu icon, but it just stuck on the restarting window. Had to hard boot like you. Its happened twice today so far.

Ran SFC /Scannow, only to get the result that windows resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. A quick google search found this http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-resource-protection-found-corrupt-files

Currently running maintenance tasks, then will reboot & keep my fingers crossed the problem goes away.

 

You'll want to print this off or write it down:

See here: Windows 10: How to uninstall preview updates

Be aware the restart will seem to take forever with a grey screen and the rotating dots but do not stop holding shift till the menu appears.
The article mentions review version but just tested on my full Win10 Pro x64 rig.

 

Regrettably, since the Start Menu is unavailable I cannot Restart and Simultaneously press the Shift Button as recommended in the link. I can only turn off by using the power button.
Full details on my post (3 posts before your reply!)

 

Press Ctrl, Alt and Delete at the same time to bring up the menu then click on the power icon
hold shift and press restart that way ;-)