Are you facing the Windows 10/11 Start menu critical error that crashes your Start menu, obstructs your access to apps and Settings, or causes your computer to freeze? Take a deep breath! Check out this page for solutions to stop this critical error and resolve the access issue.
This is the expected error message:
“Critical Error – Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”
“Critical Error – Your Start menu isn’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”
What is the Windows Start Menu Critical Error?
Windows might display the “Critical Error – Your Start menu isn’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.” message when the Start menu stops functioning. This is a severe issue, and Windows will attempt to fix it next time you sign in.
The Start menu can freeze and cause the system to restart continuously due to this error. The usual causes are listed below.
Start menu errors usually happen when Windows has to terminate a program causing trouble.
Corrupted system files and bad memory can be the source of this issue.
If you shut down your device while downloading or installing an update, you may encounter a problem.
Luckily, fixing this mistake is easy. See the suggested solutions to get things back on track.
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How to Fix Windows Start Menu Critical Error
1. Restart the Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer helps you monitor system files, open applications and manage processes such as the Start menu and the Task Manager.
Restarting Windows Explorer should be your first course of action if the Start menu stops working or produces an error.
To reboot Windows Explorer, access the Task Manager, select Windows Explorer, and choose Restart from the menu.
To see if the critical error persists, open the Start menu. That’s all there is to it.
2. Reboot your computer in Safe Mode.
- In Windows 10/11, press How To Fix Adobe Creative Cloud Error 205 simultaneously to log out.
- While holding the Shift key, select “Restart.”
- Click ‘Startup Settings’ from the Troubleshoot menu after restarting the PC.
- Click “Restart” to reboot.
- To access Safe Mode, press F5 after the Restart.
- Windows 10/11 Cortana and Start Menu problems should be resolved after booting into Safe Mode.
- Restart the computer.
Also Read: How To Fix Adobe Creative Cloud Error 205
3. Re-register the Start Menu
It’s simple to fix any issues with the Start menu; just run the correct command in PowerShell, and you’ll be able to re-register it.
To fix the Start menu, open a PowerShell window as an administrator. As this program won’t launch properly, try different methods to open it and execute it with admin rights.
Enter the following command into the PowerShell window and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}4. Set up a new administrator account
- Click Start, then Settings.
- Tap “Accounts” and go to Family.
- Next, add another person to this PC.
- Select both sign-in options.
- Create a strong password and a hint, then click “Next” and “Finish”.
- Sign out by tapping the Power Icon.
- Sign in with your new account to repair the Start menu.
5. Uninstall Dropbox/your antivirus software
- To open Run, press Windows key + R.
- Open the run box and type appwiz.cpl.
- Choose Uninstall Dropbox.
- Check if the issue is resolved after removing Dropbox.
Many users reported Dropbox as the main culprit for the Critical Error – Start menu not working error. To fix this issue, you have to remove Dropbox from your computer.
If you are using the particular version, check if the Critical Error Your start menu isn’t working in Windows Server 2016 error message disappears.lar version. The method would work on other iterations of the OS as well.
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6. Troubleshoot the Error Using Clean Boot
A conflict between the startup applications and Windows Explorer can cause the Start menu critical error. In this case, start the system in a clean boot state.
Clean Boot starts the system with minimal drivers and startup applications. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
- Click Win + R hotkeys, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Choose Selective startup.
- Switch to the Services tab and checkmark the Hide all Microsoft services option. Hit OK.
Final Thoughts:
If you experience a Critical Error with your Start menu on Windows 10 or Windows 11, these methods should help resolve the issue and restore your user experience.
If you have other queries, feel free to post them in the comments and we’ll answer them.