Restart Windows Explorer by opening Task Manager, ending the process, and restarting it to fix temporary glitches. 2. Run the Start Menu Troubleshooter via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, and select Windows Store Apps to automatically detect and fix issues. 3. Rebuild the Start Menu cache by ending Windows Explorer in Task Manager, opening Command Prompt as admin, deleting the TileDataLayer folder with "del /f /q /s "%localappdata%\TileDataLayer"*", then restarting Explorer. 4. Re-register Start Menu and universal apps by running PowerShell as admin and executing "Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}" to restore missing apps. 5. Check for Windows Updates in Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates, as patches often fix Start Menu bugs. 6. Create a new user profile via Settings > Accounts > Family & other users to test if the issue is profile-specific, and migrate data if needed. 7. Perform a System File Check by running "sfc /scannow" and "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" in Command Prompt as admin to repair corrupted system files, then restart the PC to resolve deep-seated issues.

The Windows Start Menu not working is a common issue — it might not open, freeze, show a blank screen, or fail to display apps. The good news is that most problems can be fixed without a full system reinstall. Here’s how to repair the Windows Start Menu effectively.

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Often, the issue is just a temporary glitch in the Windows Explorer process, which manages the Start Menu.

Steps:

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.
• Wait a few seconds — the taskbar and Start Menu should reload.

This quick fix resolves many temporary freezes or unresponsiveness issues.

2. Run the Start Menu Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common problems.

How to use it:

• Press Windows I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Store Apps (yes, it covers Start Menu issues too), click Run.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

This tool often resolves corrupted app caches or permission issues affecting the Start Menu.

3. Rebuild the Start Menu Cache

The Start Menu relies on a cache of app data. If this gets corrupted, the menu may appear blank or fail to load.

Steps to rebuild it:

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• End the Windows Explorer process (as in step 1).
• In Task Manager, go to File > Run new task.
• Type cmd, then check Create this task with administrative privileges, and click OK.
• In the Command Prompt, paste and run:

  del /f /q /s "%localappdata%\TileDataLayer"*

• Then run:

  explorer.exe

• This restarts Windows Explorer and forces the system to rebuild the Start Menu cache.

Wait a moment — your Start Menu should return to normal.

4. Re-register Start Menu and Universal Apps

If the Start button works but apps aren’t showing up, re-registering the built-in apps can help.

Steps:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator:
  • Press Windows X, then choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
• Paste this command and press Enter:

  Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

• Wait for the process to complete — it may take a few minutes and run with no visible output for some apps.

This command re-registers all default Windows apps, including the Start Menu components.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft often releases patches that fix known bugs affecting system features like the Start Menu.

To check:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Sometimes a pending update is the root cause — especially after a feature update fails to apply cleanly.

6. Create a New User Profile

If the Start Menu works for other users but not yours, the problem may be with your user profile.

Fix:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Click Add account under "Other users".
• Create a new local or Microsoft account.
• Log into the new account and test the Start Menu.

If it works, your original profile is likely corrupted. You can migrate your files and eventually switch to the new profile.

7. Perform a System File Check

Corrupted system files can break core Windows features.

Run SFC and DISM:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type:

  sfc /scannow

• After it finishes, run:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Restart your PC after both complete.

These commands repair damaged or missing system files that might be affecting the Start Menu.

Most Start Menu issues can be resolved with one or more of these steps. Start with restarting Windows Explorer and work your way through the list — usually, the problem is fixed by step 3 or 4. If nothing works, consider a Windows repair install (keeping your files and apps). But for now, you’ve got solid options to try.

The above is the detailed content of How to repair the Windows Start Menu. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!