How to fix critical error your start menu isn't working?

[Tom]

I got a message saying critical error your start menu isn't working on Windows. It logs me out and back in but doesn’t fix anything. What steps should I take to resolve this?

 

[Mateo]

To fix the “Critical Error: Your Start Menu isn’t working” in Microsoft Windows, try these quick steps:

1. Restart your computer – Sometimes the issue fixes itself after a reboot.
2. Restart Windows Explorer – Open Task Manager → find Windows Explorer → click Restart.
3. Run System File Checker – Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run sfc /scannow.
4. Create a new user account – A corrupted profile can cause the problem.

These steps usually restore the Start Menu functionality.

 

[robbinhook]

If you see the “critical error, your Start menu isn’t working” message in Windows 10 or Windows 11, restart your PC first. If it persists, open Task Manager, restart Windows Explorer, and run PowerShell as admin. Use the command to reinstall Start menu apps. Also try booting in safe mode, updating Windows, or creating a new user account, which often fixes corrupted profile issues causing the Start menu failure.