How to Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

If you recently updated to Windows 10 and you can't find your Start Menu, all is not lost. There is a way to get it back.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Checking and Repairing Corrupt Windows Files

1
See if you have any right click options at the Start Menu location. If you do, select Task Manager.
- If you can't get to it that way, do the '3 Finger Salute' (Ctrl+Alt+Delete). That will bring up several options, one of which is the Task Manager.
2
In Task Manager, go to File and then Run new task.

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3
Type in 'powershell' and make sure that 'Create this task with administrative privileges.' is marked.
- This is what you will be seeing.
4
Run the System File Checker. Type in (or paste) 'sfc /scannow' after the C:/ prompt.
- It will run. Depending on your computer, it could be fairly quick or take a little while.
5
Check out the results. It may correct the problem there. Read what the screens says. Perhaps, even take a screenshot of it.
6
Restart and see if you have the Start Menu back.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Reinstalling Windows Apps

1
If that doesn't work, reinstall the Windows Apps. While the apps aren't the problem, it does fix the issue.
2
Launch the Task manager, like before, and start another task with administrative privileges.
3
Type in 'powershell' and then type (or paste) the following:
- Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
4
Let it take its course and then restart. Your Start Menu should be working now.

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Community Q&A

Question

How can I get the start menu back that was on the computer when I purchased it?

milo demoines

Community Answer

If you had an older OS installed with a different start menu when the computer was first purchased then you will have to downgrade.
Question

My menu has disappeared. I no longer have the list of programs installed or the option to sleep, shut down, or restart.

Community Answer

Download classic shell at classicshell.net. There will be a programs list. Also, choose classic.
Question

I tried the Get-Appx... command and got an error message "access denied." Any other suggestions?

Community Answer

Open PowerShell as an administrator and click "Yes" on the UAC prompt.
Question

My Linux system is hiding the command prompt?

Community Answer

Linux has the Terminal, no command prompt. The instructions for Linux would be very different anyway.
Question

I was given a perfectly working Lenovo running on Windows 10. I stupidly decided to put a password on the bios system. I forgot the password and can’t get past bios.

Community Answer

Unplug your PC, take out the little CMOS battery, plug in and boot up your PC, shut it back down again and unplug it again, put the CMOS battery back on and plug in, close and boot up your PC. There are plenty of guides online, too.

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References

http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/has-your-windows-10-start-menu-stopped-working-here-are-four-ways-to-fix-it-11364000314532 - research source

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 51,387 times.

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Co-authors: 4

Updated: March 29, 2019

Views: 51,387

Categories: Windows 10

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