Windows Start button not working

Anonymous
2010-11-11T12:49:00+00:00

The Windows start button is not working. When I press it nothing happens. SO I cannot shut down the computer in the normal manner or access any programs other than ones with desktop icons.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2015-02-14T05:42:28+00:00

Hi,

I faced a similar issue! The following worked for me

  1. Right click on the Start Button and select "Run"
  2. Type "regedit"
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Explorer>Advance
  4. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, call it "EnableXamlStartMenu"
  5. Restart Explorer​ from task manager.

Hope this helps!

Was this answer helpful?

500+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-11-11T15:34:40+00:00

Hi nickthomp.

Does start menu open if you press the windows key on the keyboard?.

Can you right click the start menu orb and choose properties, if so

In the Customize Start Menu dialog box, click Use Default Settings, clickOK, and then clickOK again.

Also try.

1 .   Press Ctrl + Alt+ delete on the keyboard and click on task manager.

2 .   Click on the Process tab and locate explorer.exe in the windows and click on end task.

3 .   Click on File and then click on New.

4.   Type explorer.exe and press enter.

Hope his helps.

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

320 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2016-01-25T15:38:54+00:00

    I do see two tasks called "Explorer" under Task manager / Windows processes.

    I have ended the tasks so we shall see.

    Now I have a black screen.

    Oops!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2016-01-25T15:06:11+00:00

    don't have explorer.exe in task manager under processes

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-01-24T23:37:48+00:00

    AGAIN, the Start Menu critical error  appeared today for no apparent reason ... in the middle of a major project!

    Restarted not helping so went to another user account (which works for now) but lacks all my files and settings!

    I truly empathize with those here who have found solutions to be fleeting .... if only Microsoft took responsibility to utilize whatever resources it takes find a permanent solution.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments