Windows 10: URGENT: Start Icon and Windows button have stopped working

The left-click on my Start icon has stopped working and several reboots have not resolved the situation. My Windows key doesn't work either. I cannot launch Edge either. I'm running Windows 10 Home on a new Dell laptop.

What the heck is going on and how do I fix it? I've got apps that don't appear on my desktop which I am completely unable to use now.

For what it's worth, I can right-click the Start button since my latest reboot but I can't left-click it. (On the previous reboot, I couldn't right- or left-click it.)

I need this machine working ASAP because I use it for my job and my shift just started!

Thank you in advance if you can help!

:)

 

Start button and cortina have stopped working

Hi Leela,

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

I do appreciate your efforts and time.

Restart the computer a few times.

Also, check for Windows Updates.

In the search box on the taskbar, enter Windows Update, select Windows Update. On the Windows Update page, select Check for updates.

Also, place the system in Safe Mode and check if it works fine.

1. Restart your PC. When you reach the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key and select the Power button, and then select Restart.

2. After your PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options >Startup settings > Restart. After your PC restarts, you should see a number of options. Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with networking.

I suggest you to try the steps provided below and check if it helps.

1. Open command prompt. (Type cmd in Search or Press Windows Logo Key+X. Click on Command Prompt admin).

2.
Type the following 4 commands at the CMD prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannow

powershell

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

1. Close the CMD window.

2. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the PC.

For Shutdown issue:

I suggest you to try the steps provided below and check if it helps.

1.
Go to, Settings. Then System. Then click on Power and Sleep.

2.
Click on Additional power settings. Then "Choose what the power button does".

3.
Click on Change Settings. Finally unclick "Turn on fast start up".

4.
Save Settings.

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

 

Start button and cortina have stopped working

Hi,

I've not used my computer over the Christmas period but have just turned it on and the Start button and Cortina have stopped working. I cannot type in the box for Cortina. I also cannot restart, shut down etc and I have tried the windows key and X key on
the keyboard but these don't do anything either so cannot follow previous advice you have given. This is very frustrating as I have not made any changes to my computer at all. Please can you advise?

 

I suggest you search this forum for start button not working