When we mention Windows 10 critical error, usually we refer to the issue regarding the start menu. It occurs when something on our PC goes wrong, for example, corrupted system files, conflict with antivirus software, some registry errors, etc.

Sometimes, the error only happens on the start menu but sometimes the search feature – Cortana and the start menu are all involved. In this case, we cannot access settings from the start menu and even the PC freezes. Unfortunately, this post gives us 8 effective methods.

Tip: Before we start the issue fix, it is best to back up our important files since some solutions may cause data loss. To do this job, we can use the professional free backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker. The operations are very simple: launch this tool, choose backup source & destination under the Backup page and start a backup.

Fixes for Critical Error Start Menu on Windows 10

Option 1: Reboot the Computer

The easiest way to deal with the critical error is to reboot our computer. Hold on the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously to enter the Task Manager menu. Then, go to Power > Restart. After reboot, check if the issue still persists. If so, go to the next solution.

Option 2: Perform a System File Check

If system files turn corrupted, some system issues including this Windows 10 start menu error may happen. So, we can try performing a system file check to repair and fix the corruption regarding the system files

1. Press Win + R and input cmd to the Run
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. After finishing the check, restart the PC.

Option 3: Enter Safe Mode

Some users reported that they fixed this issue by entering safe mode, so we can also have a try.

1. Press Win + L to log out.
2. Click Power, press Shift and click Restart to Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
3. Head to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. Press F5 to select Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
5. In safe mode, the critical error should be fixed. Then, restart the PC.

If the issue – critical error your start menu isn’t working still appears, move on to other solutions.

Option 4: Install the Latest Windows 10 Update

Sometimes Microsoft releases updates to fix some problems, so we can try installing the latest update to check if Windows 10 start menu error is solved.

1. Press Win + R to open Run, input ms-settings: and click OK.
2. In the Windows Update page, check for available updates and Windows will install them automatically.

Option 5: Uninstall a Third-Party Antivirus Program

Some users said that an antivirus program may be interfering with some components of Windows, causing the critical error start menu. So, we should uninstall it from our PC.

1. In the Run window (opened by pressing Win + R), input CPL and press Enter.
2. In the app list, find the antivirus app and right-click it to uninstall.

Option 6: Run the Windows Start Menu Troubleshooter

After Microsoft released Windows 10, it was notorious for Windows 10 to start menu critical error. To fix this issue, this company offered a special troubleshooter that can be got by this link. Next, open this tool and perform a fix by following the on-screen instructions.

Option 7: Reinstall the Start Menu

When receiving the critical error in Windows 10, perhaps the start menu is corrupted. Try reinstalling the start menu is the best fix.

1. Open Task Manager, go to File > Run new task and type powershell.
2. In the CMD window, type Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} and press Enter.
3. Wait a few minutes to perform the operation. Then, restart the PC.

Option 8: Create a New User Account

This way can also create a new user profile, which is helpful to fix the issue. Do as follows:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.
2. Navigate to File > Run new task.
3. Input PowerShell to the text box and click OK. Ensure the Create this task with administrative privileges option is selected.
4. Type net user username account password /add and press Enter.
   
5. Restart the PC and log into the new account. The start menu should work correctly.

Conclusion

Now, 8 methods are introduced to us. In addition, we can try some other solutions – do a clean boot, end Local Security Authority Process, reset PC, etc. For more information on the operations, we can refer to this post – Here Are Useful Solutions to Windows 10 Start Menu Critical Error!