How to Fix a Broken Windows 10 Start Button: 13 Proven Methods

If your Windows 10 Start button is not working, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there are several methods you can try to resolve the issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 13 proven techniques to fix a broken Windows 10 Start button.

Method 1: Update Windows

Keeping your Windows 10 operating system up-to-date is crucial for maintaining its stability and functionality. To check for updates:

1. Press the Windows logo key I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click the Check for updates button.
4. If any updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Method 2: Update Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause various issues, including problems with the Start button. To update your drivers:

1. Press the Windows logo key X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the category containing the device with outdated drivers (e.g., Display adapters, Sound, video and game controllers).
3. Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 3: Restart System

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues with the Start button. Follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl Alt Delete.
2. Click the Power icon and select Restart.

If you can’t access the Start button, press and hold the power button on your device until it turns off, then turn it back on.

Method 4: Malware Scan

Malware or viruses can interfere with the functionality of the Start button. Perform a full system scan using your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.

Method 5: Run the Start Menu Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix issues with the Start menu. To run the troubleshooter:

1. Press the Windows logo key I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Troubleshoot in the left pane.
4. Select Get up and running under Find and fix other problems.
5. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 6: Run System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) is a utility that scans for and restores corrupted system files. To run SFC:

1. Press the Windows logo key X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

Method 7: Disable Startup Items

Conflicting startup items can cause issues with the Start button. To disable startup items:

1. Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab.
3. Disable any unnecessary startup items by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable.
4. Restart your computer and check if the Start button is working.

Method 8: Create a New User Account

If the Start button is not working for a specific user account, creating a new user account may resolve the issue. To create a new user account:

1. Press the Windows logo key I to open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Click Family & other users in the left pane.
4. Click Add someone else to this PC.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.

Method 9: Run DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help repair corrupted system files. To run DISM:

1. Press the Windows logo key X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer.

Method 10: Disable Cortana

Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant, can sometimes interfere with the Start button. To disable Cortana:

1. Press the Windows logo key I to open Settings.
2. Select Cortana.
3. Turn off the “Hey Cortana” toggle.
4. Restart your computer and check if the Start button is working.

Method 11: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a feature that helps your computer boot up faster, but it can sometimes cause issues with the Start button. To disable Fast Startup:

1. Press the Windows logo key I to open Settings.
2. Select Power & sleep.
3. Click Additional power settings.
4. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
5. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
6. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes.
7. Restart your computer and check if the Start button is working.

Method 12: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

If the Start button is not working due to issues with Windows Store apps, running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter may help. To run the troubleshooter:

1. Press the Windows logo key I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Troubleshoot in the left pane.
4. Select Windows Store Apps under Get up and running.
5. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 13: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application is causing issues with the Start button. To perform a clean boot:

1. Press the Windows logo key R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
4. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box and click Disable all.
5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
6. In Task Manager, select each startup item and click Disable.
7. Close Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window.
8. Click Apply and then OK.
9. Restart your computer and check if the Start button is working.

If the Start button is working in clean boot mode, it indicates that a third-party application or service is causing the issue. You can then enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.