Fix “Critical Error Start Menu And Cortana Aren’t Working”

Updating your software is normally a trouble-free process but, occasionally, there can be errors. One of this is the “Critical Error Start Menu And Cortana Aren’t Working”.

This error first came up last year (in 2016) but some users may either still experience this or maybe simply wondering how to fix it.

Whether you need to fix it or would just like to have some more information about this error, you have come to the right place.

I have been researching this error so I have been able to gather all the information about it including, of course, how to fix it too.

Obviously, all errors are annoying for users experiencing. But this one can be particularly hard to deal with. But, do not worry, there are ways to fix this error by users themselves.

With this, as with any other computer errors, the best way to approach this error is calm. There is no need to panic. Instead, just read this tutorial and by the end of it, you should be able to fix this critical error yourself.

The good news is that you do not to have any previous experience fixing computer errors. No matter what your level of expertise, you should be able to fix this error once you have read this article.

As with many errors of this kind, there is not just one way of fixing this error. There are several different alternatives but it is highly unlikely that you would need to try them all out before you stumble upon the fix that will do the trick for you.

In this tutorial, I will present all the different options to fix this error. It is highly recommended that you follow the tutorial when dealing with this error. You should read the whole thing through to ensure both that you are indeed ready to tackle the error and that you fully understand everything that is involved in each of the possible fixing methods presented. You should then attempt the possible fixes one by one in the order in which each and every one of them is presented while following the steps to the letter.

Of course, it is ultimately up to you how you approach the different methods. If after reading the whole tutorial you decide that you’d prefer to attempt the fixes in a different order and you have good reason to do so, then there is no real reason why you should not. If, however, you have no idea of what might be causing this error on your Windows computer, then it is hardly recommended that you follow the guidelines I have just highlighted.

About ‘Critical Error Start Menu And Cortana Aren’t Working’

Before I go over all the different methods to fix this error, it is important that you make sure that you are reading the right tutorial.

The error we aim to help you fix is the one that produces the following error method: “Critical Error – Start menu not working”. This error affects Windows 10 computer users.

“A lot of the really good features of Windows 10 – things like Windows 10 Hello, where you have facial log in and you don’t have to use all your passwords, the Start screen and your ability to go through that, the touch usages of gaming, as the new games come to this product – those are going to run with PCs that have the latest features.” – Brian Krzanich

Not being able to use the Windows 10 Start menu is hugely troublesome because it would prevent you from having access not just to your computer’s settings but also to all the applications that you had previously installed.

Effectively, this error would render your computer pretty much useless.

The good news is that this error can be fixed. So, stay calmed and follow the possible fixing methods.

Possible Fix Number 1:

The first possible method would involve getting your computer to Safe Mode.

 

If you do not know how to do this or are not quite sure, here are the simple steps that you will need to follow:

1. Grab your Windows 10
2. Start your Windows 10.
3. Press down the following two keys simultaneously: the Windows Key and the L This action will log you out.
4. The click on the Power button that is located in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
5. Hold down the Shift key and click on Restart. This action will restart your computer.
6. Once your computer has restarted, you should be presented with a few options.
7. Then, go to the Troubleshoot
8. Next, go to Advanced options.
9. Then, click on Startup Settings.
10. Next, click on the Restart button to restart your computer one more time.
11. Once your computer has restarted for the second time, you will need to hit the F5 This action will give you access to the Safe Mode with Network.
12. Finally, restart your computer one more time.

Once your computer has been restarted, the error should have gone away. However, if the error persists, you still have a few more options to deal with this error.

Possible Fix Number 2:

The second possible fix would involve uninstalling some software.

If you have Dropbox and/or an antivirus software installed, you should try to uninstall them to check whether this fixes the error for you. If you do not have Dropbox or an antivirus (you should really have an antivirus app, anyway), then move on to the next possible fix in this tutorial. If you do, then keep on reading.

If you do not know how to remove Dropbox, simply follow these steps:

1. Grab your Windows computer.
2. Press the following two keys simultaneously: the Windows key and the R This action will prompt the Create new task dialog box to display on your screen.
3. Then, type the following command in the dialog box: “appwiz.cpl” (no quotation marks).
4. Next, either press Enter or click on the OK button. This Running this command will display a list with all the installed applications (apps).
5. Go through the list of apps until you locate Dropbox.
6. Once you have located Dropbox, choose the Uninstall
7. Once you have removed Dropbox, you will need to restart your computer.

Wait for your computer to restart before you check whether the error has been fixed by removing Dropbox.

Although it is less unlikely, this error is sometimes caused by antivirus software. If you would like to rule out whether your antivirus is causing this error or not, you should disable your antivirus software temporarily. While your antivirus software is disabled, you should check if the error has gone away. Just make sure that you are extra careful when going online or checking your email while your antivirus is disabled for your own safety.

If you have ruled out that Dropbox or antivirus is not responsible, then you should move on to the next method to fix this error.

Possible Fix Number 3:

The third possible method would involve hiding the Cortana icon.

 

You may already know how to do this, but if you do not, just follow these steps:

1. Grab your Windows
2. Then right-click on the Taskbar.
3. Next, select the Search
4. From all the different options, choose Hidden.
5. Then, right click on the Taskbar one more time.
6. Select the Search option again.
7. This time, select the Show search icon
8. Finally, restart your computer.

Once your computer has been fully restarted, check whether the error has been fixed. If the issue persists, then move on to the next method.

Possible Fix Number 4:

This method involves ending the Local Security Authority Process.

1. Grab your Windows computer.
2. Press the following keys simultaneously: Ctrl + Shift + Esc. This action will launch the Task Manager.
3. Then head over to the Processes tab.
4. Go through the list of processes until you find the Local Security Authority Process.
5. Right-click on it and then choose the End task option.
6. Then, close the Task Manager.
7. Finally, restart your computer.

Once your computer has been fully restarted, check whether the error has been fixed. If the issue persists, then move on to the next method.

Possible Fix Number 5: 

This method simply involves disabling Internet Explorer.

1. Grab your Windows computer.
2. Press the following two keys simultaneously: the Windows key and the R This action will prompt the Create new task dialog box to display on your screen.
3. Then, type the following command in the dialog box: “appwiz.cpl” (no quotation marks).
4. Next, either press Enter or click on the OK This Running this command will display a list with all the installed applications (apps).
5. Click on the Turn Windows features on or off
6. Go through the list of programs until you find Internet Explorer.
7. Then uncheck Internet Explorer. Click Yes, if prompted.
8. Finally, restart your computer.

Once your computer has been fully restarted, check whether the error has been fixed. If the issue persists, then move on to the next method.

So, this has been Fix “Critical Error Start Menu And Cortana Aren’t Working”. If you would like to share your own personal experience dealing with this critical error or have any feedback on this tutorial, why don’t you leave us a message in the comments section below?