One common error with Windows 10 is the ‘Windows 10 start menu and Cortana error’. It seems to appear randomly either after a significant patch or when upgrading from a previous version of Windows. While we can live without Cortana, the start menu issues get in the way of everyday use. Here is how to fix the Windows 10 start menu and Cortana aren’t working critical error.
The full syntax of the error is ‘Critical Error - Start Menu and Cortana aren't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in. Sign out now’.
Windows 10 start menu and Cortana aren’t working
There are a couple of reasons for this error, one is Windows configuration and the other is antivirus software. There is actually a simple fix for both.
1. Type or paste ‘msconfig’ into the Search Windows box.
2. Select the Boot tab.
3. Check the box next to Safe Boot, leave the selection at ‘Minimal’.
4. Click OK and then Apply to restart your computer.
5. Once rebooted, go back to msconfig.
6. Select the Boot tab.
7. Uncheck the box next to Safe Boot, leave the selection at ‘Minimal’.
8. Click OK and then Apply to restart your computer.
I have used this method a couple of times and it works. Once your computer reboots normally, your start menu and Cortana should both be working as they should.
Alternatively, some older antivirus applications interfere with how Windows 10 works. As the OS has been out a while now, most AV companies have improved compatibility of their programs so replacing it with a newer version should fix this issue.
1. Download the newest full version of your antivirus program of choice.
2. Uninstall your current antivirus solution and reboot your computer.
3. Install the newer version and reboot if required.
If it was your antivirus causing Windows 10 start menu and Cortana aren’t working critical errors, they should now be fixed. If the error still appears, try the first method above.
More Windows 10 tips and tricks can be found here:
How to fix Windows 10 Black Screen issue
How to fix the Windows 10 Bad System Config Info error
How to fix Windows 10 error ‘Boot Device Not Found’
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram