Windows 10 start button and search bar stops working.

Dan Dexter Vivar 0 Reputation points
2026-01-20T10:17:18.9933333+00:00

Tried all the possible basic troubleshooting like restarting task bar, restoring health, etc. but getting Error 5: Access denied. Please someone help!!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Start Menu
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  1. DaveM121 935.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-20T10:51:59.98+00:00

    1

    Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)

    Click File - Run new task

    Tick the box 'Create this task with administrative privileges'

    Type regedit into the box and click OK

    Click View and make sure 'Address Bar' is turned on

    Paste this into the Address Bar at the top and hit Enter

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WpnUserService

    On the right hand pane, double click 'Start'

    Change the value data to 4 then click OK

    Close the Registry Editor

    2

    Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)

    Click File - Run new task

    Tick the box 'Create this task with administrative privileges'

    Type powershell into the box and click OK

    Paste this command into Powershell and hit Enter

    Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | reset-AppxPackage

    Paste this command into Powershell and hit Enter

    Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost | reset-AppxPackage

    Close PowerShell and restart (not shut down) the PC.

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