How to Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back

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:

Repairing Corrupt Files

  1. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 1
    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. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 2
    2
    In Task Manager, go to File and then Run new task.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 3
    3
    Type in 'powershell' and make sure that 'Create this task with administrative privileges.' is marked.
    • This is what you will be seeing.
  4. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 4
    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. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 5
    5
    Check out the results. It may correct the problem there. Read what the screens says. Perhaps, even take a screenshot of it.
  6. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 6
    6
    Restart and see if you have the Start Menu back.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Reinstalling Windows Apps

  1. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 7
    1
    If that doesn't work, reinstall the Windows Apps. While the apps aren't the problem, it does fix the issue.
  2. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 8
    2
    Launch the Task manager, like before, and start another task with administrative privileges.
  3. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 9
    3
    Type in 'powershell' and then type (or paste) the following:
    • Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  4. Image titled Get Your Windows 10 Start Menu Back Step 10
    4
    Let it take its course and then restart. Your Start Menu should be working now.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    How can I get the start menu back that was on the computer when I purchased it?
    milo demoines
    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
    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
    Community Answer
    Open PowerShell as an administrator and click "Yes" on the UAC prompt.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Uninstall Riot ClientCompletely Uninstall Riot Games (Vanguard and the Riot Games Client)
Install Windows 10
How to
Install Windows 10
Enable Image Preview to Display Pictures in a Folder (Windows 10)
How to
Enable Image Preview to Display Pictures in a Folder (Windows 10)
Screenshot in Windows 10
How to
Screenshot in Windows 10
Turn Off Windows Defender in Windows 10Turn Off Microsoft Defender in Windows 10: Temporarily or Permanently
Restart Windows 10
How to
Restart Windows 10
Use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn on Windows 10How to Use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn on Windows 10
Adjust Screen Brightness in Windows 10How to Change the Screen Brightness in Windows 10: A Quick Guide
Find the Largest Files in Windows 10
How to
Find the Largest Files in Windows 10
Cancel Auto Shutdown in Windows 10
How to
Cancel Auto Shutdown in Windows 10
Eject the CD Tray for Windows 10How to Eject the CD/DVD Tray on a Windows 10 PC
Check if Your Firewall Is Blocking Something
How to
Check if Your Firewall Is Blocking Something
Clear Temp Files in Windows 10How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10: A Quick Guide
Set Up a Second Monitor with Windows 10How to Set Up a Second Monitor with Windows 10: Quick Guide
Advertisement

References

  1. 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 63,795 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 5
Updated: January 31, 2023
Views: 63,795
Categories: Windows 10
Advertisement