Start Menu won't open when you click the Start button
A broken Start Menu app is almost always the culprit. Resetting the Start Menu to factory settings fixes it without affecting your PC or apps.
The Start Menu is an app that Windows runs, separate from the main Windows system. When it crashes, gets corrupted, or loads a broken update, clicking the Start button does nothing. Resetting it to factory settings usually fixes it immediately.
Risk: Medium
⏱ 5–10 minutes
Beginner
⚡ Before you start
- ✓Make sure you're logged in with a user account that has admin access
- ✓You'll be typing a command in PowerShell — don't worry, it's one command and we give it to you exactly
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Only trying Explorer restart without doing the deeper Start Menu reset — that's step 1, but step 2 or 3 usually needed.
- Trying to uninstall and reinstall the Start Menu yourself without using the Store — the Store handles it correctly.
Signs you need professional help
- If the Start Menu is still not opening after trying all these steps, get in touch — it might be a deeper Windows issue that needs a more advanced fix.
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