Windows 10: [Windows 10] Critical Error: Start Menu Not Working

Hello! So as of recent my boyfriend has been experiencing issues with his computer about the Start Menu. Every time he tries to click it is brings up a window saying "Critical Error." We have been working on this issue for about a week. Here are the steps I have already taken to help: I checked if the task StartMenuExperienceHost.exe was running. It was not and tried to find it in the services bar, turns out StartMenuExperienceHost.exe isn't installed on his PC anymore.I had guided him into trying to re-download the files through Powershell, ran as an admin, we waited while it all downloaded and still no fix to the issue. Apparently there were error messages about downloading it to the system and in turn never downloaded the files.Next, we resulted to trying to reset his PC entirely. Whenever we try to reset the PC, however, the mouse and keyboard won't work, no matter how many times we plug them into different USBs.To try to fix the USB issue, we entered the BIOS, went to the advanced tab, under USB config, and disabled legacy USB. People have commented how this has worked for them and afterward the keyboard and mouse worked just fine; for us, it didn't work and resulted in the same problem.The other admin account on his computer is completely normal and the start menu works fine. His doesn't.We do not have a fresh restore point for him to go back to, sadly. When we tried to go back to a reset point it just reset his PC and we couldn't go through with the whole procedure because of what was stated previously... We have completely let this thing take us by the throat. We have completely given up. Now I turn to reddit for other advice on the issue. The only way I know to fix this problem now is if we completely reset the PC, but we can't do that because the mouse and keyboard don't work. Note: We somehow managed to find an old PS/2 keyboard and during the process of resetting that wouldn't even work to get us through the process.... So yeah, all in all looks like this problem can't or won't get fixed. But hey, any advice techs can give us will help as I am not a professional and was turning to internet forums for help. Specs: Processor: AMD FX ™ - 4100 Quad Core Processor 3.60 GHzGPU: Radeon ™ RX 460 GraphicsMotherboard: M5A78L -M LX PLUSRAM: 8.00 GBSystem Type: 64-bit OS, x64-based processorWindows Edition: 10 Pro Thank you all in advance! Hope to hear from you all soon!

:)

 

Critical Error message that the Start menu isn't working

Hi Patti,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I understand your concerned. Let me help you to fix the issue.

To understand the issue better, please provide us more information.

• 
  What is the complete error message do you received?
  
• When exactly do you get this error message?

Let’s try simple troubleshooting steps and check if this helps in resolving the issue. I would suggest you to go to the below link and try the steps provided by Ravinath P

“Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”

“Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”

If the issue still persist, you can also visit the below link and try the steps.

Troubleshoot problems opening the Start menu or Cortana

Hope this helps. Please let us know the status.

 

Windows 10 Critical error for start menu

Hi Mark,

Sorry for the inconvenience caused to you by Windows 10 Critical error for start menu.

Some customers have reported that adding a new local administrator account has resolved their Critical Error. If that doesn’t work, try removing the original administrator account now that you have a new one created.

Refer: create a local user account in Windows 10

You may also, create a new user account with different Microsoft account and check if it helps.

If you have already logged in with a Microsoft account, I suggest you to covert that Microsoft account into local account. Later login using newly created local account to create a different Microsoft account.

Step 1: To convert the account, you can do the following:

• Sign in to your Microsoft account on Windows 10.
• Click Start and then PC settings.
• Click Users and accounts and under Your Profile click Disconnect on the right of the screen.
• Enter your Microsoft account's password, and click on Next.
• Type in a Username, Password, and Password Hint that you want set for your Local account and click
  Next. Click on Sign out and Finish button.

Step 2: Create new Microsoft account

Refer: Sign in with a Microsoft account

Also, see:

Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.

Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.

Hope it helps. Get back to us with the update on Critical Error – Start menu. We are happy to help!

 

Windows 10 start menu critical error

Hi Darcey,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are glad to help you.

• 
  Which are the four steps that you have tried?
  

As the issue still persist, I suggest you to create a new user account and check if the issue still persists.

Refer to the below link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/getstarted-set-up-accounts



Also refer this link:

Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.



Hope this information helps. Do contact us for further queries. We will be happy to assist you.



Regards,

Jenith