Windows 10: Start menu reset after Windows update

Hi, last night my computer installed 3 updates: (1) Cumulative Update for Windows to Version 1809 for x64-based systems (KB4512578); (2) Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5, 4.7.2 and 4.8 for Windows 10 x64 (KB4514601); and (3) Security Update for Adobe Flash Player (KB4516115).


These updates installed as I shut down my computer for the night. When I booted up today, my start menu tiles and folders had completely reverted to default, such that none of my installed applications and programs could be accessed through the start menu or Cortana search. They had not been uninstalled, however. I can access them manually by navigating the file explorer and finding the application launcher in my program files.


Any idea how to fix this? I wouldn't be too concerned if this were simply a matter of needing to re-do my start menu customization. But I can't access any of my applications through my start menu. To re-pin them, I would essentially need to manually create shortcuts for every application by working through my file explorer.


Thanks for any help.

:)

 

How do ya add to window start menu?

Make a Start menu shortcut to it in the All Programs section. Then drag it to the top left of the original Cascade menu. (Where windows update normally is).
lol @ folder name

 

Feature suggestion: Add right-click menu

Suggestion: Please add a Windows 7 Jump-List and/or right-click menu to the GPU-Z icon in the Windows taskbar. Possible menus in it would be "Exit" and "About GPU-Z...".
Maybe also "Switch to tab 1/Switch to tab 2/Switch to videocard 1/Switch to videocard 2" too.
Examples of programs that have such menus are ICQ, Skype, AIM.

NOTE: It seems for a right-click menu, Windows 7 is not needed - it works on WinXP and Vista too.
But even a Windows 7 Jump-list may be good enough.
What do you think?

 

missing icons in start menu

Hi Wickiwizard,

It is possible that the icon of your apps in Start menu is missing due to a corrupted system files. To provide you the accurate resolution, kindly answer the following questions:

• Have you made any recent changes prior to this issue?
• Does this happen only with icons in Start menu?
• What troubleshooting steps you've done so far?

Meanwhile, we suggest that you perform the steps in this
article on how to troubleshoot problems with Start menu or Cortana.

If the issue still persists, we recommend that you follow the suggestion shared by
Meliton Dec on this thread.
The given troubleshooting steps will help repair or reset not only missing apps but also lost icon.

Keep us posted if you need additional help.