The Start menu is one of the most important elements of a Windows computer.

It allows you to browse through all the installed applications and access them with a few clicks.

However, like most other Windows elements, it isn’t free from issues.

Windows 11 PC Placed on a Table

For example, the Start menu critical error can lock you out of using the menu entirely.

What Is the Start Menu Critical Error?

We’ll take a stab at fix it the next time you sign in.

Restart Windows Explorer using the Task Manager

The error freezes the Start menu and can send your system into a reboot loop.

There can be multiple reasons behind the error, but the most common ones are listed below.

Fortunately, it’s a cakewalk to troubleshoot this error.

Sign Out option from the drop down list

Try the below solutions to put things back to normal.

Restart the Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer handles everything you should probably navigate through system files and open applications.

It also manages various Windows processes like the Start menu and the Task Manager.

Command to Re-Register Start Menu written on PowerShell Window

fire up the Start menu and see if you still face the critical error.

test whether you’re still facing the issue.

To re-register the Start menu, open thePowerShellwindow with admin rights.

Command to Run SFC Scan written on Command Prompt

It is a built-in utility that looks for and resolves corrupt system files.

To run an SFC scan, openCommand Promptwith admin rights, typeSFC /scannow, and pressEnter.

Wait until the scan is completeit may take some timeand cycle your system once the process is complete.

Dropbox Uninstall button in the Settings Menu

choose thethree dotsnext toDropbox,and chooseUninstallfrom the context menu.

Then, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

You candownload Dropboxagain if uninstalling it wasn’t helpful.

System Configuration General tab

The solution, in this case, is to start the system in a clean boot state.

In the Clean Boot state, the system starts with a minimal set of drivers and startup applications.

have a go at bring up the Start menu, and look to see if the problem is fixed.

Service tab of System Configuration window

If yes, it means one of the services you disabled was causing the problem.

Once you narrow down which service is causing the problem, consider downloading drivers for the service if possible.

it’s possible for you to also run an SFC scan if it’s a Windows-based service.

As a solution,uninstall all such applicationsfrom your rig and then check for the problem.

you’re able to change the user profile to see if the issue continues.

When creating a new user account, double-check to opt for alocal user account.

It will ensure that your account information remains within your system instead of getting shared with Microsoft.

This approach won’t completely solve the problem, but it’s better than nothing as the last resort.

Start Menu Critical Error Fixed

Each update introduces new features to Windows.

But like any other OS, there are issues in Windows as well.