Softpedia
 

NEWS CATEGORIES:



NEWS ARCHIVE >>
SOFTPEDIA REVIEWS >>
MEET THE EDITORS >>
TRENDING TODAY
Home > News > Microsoft > Windows

November 26th, 2012, 15:42 GMT · By

Windows 8 Update Causes the Start Screen to Freeze

SHARE:

Adjust text size:

The Start Screen freezes after the update is installed
Enlarge picture
A dozen of Windows 8 users are complaining that a Windows 8 update causes the Start Screen to freeze, while all the other apps fail to respond.

While Microsoft is yet to confirm the problem, it appears that most consumers affected by the issue have deployed an official Windows 8 update, although some of them are actually claiming that all problems appeared two or three days after the update has been installed.

“Suddenly, I can't get the Start screen to respond. I'm unable to launch apps, access the Charms bar, etc. By pressing WinKey + D multiple times, I am able to get the Desktop to load. Once loaded, the Desktop seems OK though I can't access Charms from it either,” a user explains.

There’s no workaround for the problem, but support engineer Praseetha K Nair suggests that it could all be because of recent software or hardware changes on the system, so he recommends to try disabling some startup programs and services and booting into Safe Mode.

The only way to solve the problem and get back to a working Windows 8 machine seems to be the System Restore tool that allows users to roll back to a previous restore point.

“I have the same problem after installing a few Windows 8 updates. The solution that worked for me is to immediately go into the Desktop after Windows 8 loads. Then, run the System Restore utility and restore the system to a date before the updates were installed,” another user wrote on the support forums.

If you’re experiencing the same problem and you want to try the workaround provided by Praseetha K Nair, click here to view the step-by-step instructions.

We’ve already contacted Microsoft to ask for an official workaround for this problem, so we’ll keep you posted.


9,882 hits · 10 comments
Link to this article · Print article · Send to friend

MUST-READ RELATED ARTICLES:


ESPN for Windows 8 App Released

Add Your Steam Games to the Windows 8 Start Screen with Pin Steam

Windows 8 Still Trailing Behind Windows 7 and Windows XP

Live TV “Metro” App for Windows 8 Released

Microsoft Secret Talks Reveal European Takeover Strategy

READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Riki on 26 Nov 2012, 16:18 UTC reply to this comment

Another reason to not jump into windows 8.

I am planning on buying a new laptop to replace my aging HP Pavilon but I will wait until 2014,by that time Windows 8 should have most of the bugs worked out.

In the meantime I'll stick with old reliable... XP

Comment #1.1 by: BenC on 26 Nov 2012, 21:38 GMT

XP is awful for newer software and gaming. Just get windows 7.


Comment #2 by: eric on 27 Nov 2012, 02:00 UTC reply to this comment

XP isn't reliable or secure (especially not secure)...I know people love their old OS-es, but at least stick with 7 for the next couple of years until 8 is debugged.


Comment #3 by: Alireza Noori on 27 Nov 2012, 22:38 UTC reply to this comment

I have the EXACT same problem so PLEASE keep us posted.


Comment #4 by: Mikefine on 30 Nov 2012, 19:57 UTC reply to this comment

I am experiencing this identical issue. I have attempted to stop some startup apps. This is clearly a Microsoft issue.


Comment #5 by: samuel on 10 Dec 2012, 09:18 UTC reply to this comment

The first step solved the problem

Step I:
You may try booting in safe mode with networking and check for the issue. Post the results, so that we help you with further troubleshooting.
a. Right click at the bottom left of the desktop and select Run.
b. Type msconfig and hit enter.
c. Now click the boot tab.
d. Place a check mark on the safe boot option.
e. Choose the type of safe mode by selecting one of the options below the Safe boot check box:
> Network- For safe mode with networking.
f. Click apply and then ok. Restart the computer.
Note: After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to boot to normal startup.
a. Press the ‘Windows + R’ key on the keyboard.
b. In the ‘Run’ windows type ’MSCONFIG’ and click ‘Ok’.
c. On the ‘General’ tab, click the ‘Normal Startup’ option, and then click ‘OK’.
d. When you are prompted to restart the computer, click ‘Restart’.


Comment #6 by: Mickey on 16 Dec 2012, 06:15 UTC reply to this comment

I had 2 Windows 8 pro 64 bit desktops and a Surface with RT. My primary Windows 8 system and the Surface both went down at the same time with the Start screen/Charms bar freeze right after Windows updates. I had hundreds or errors in Event Viewer. Did a clean install of Windows 7 Ulimate on the desktop, clean install of RT on the Surface.

I did not apply the updates to my 2nd Windows 8 desktop and will not until I see a fix, nor will I connect the Surace to the Internet until I see a fix.

That said, I liked Windows 8 and want to see a fix.

Comment #6.1 by: SQ464 on 01 Jan 2013, 22:20 GMT

I'm back with windows 7 also - 8 ran OK for several weeks - then the issues started. Even a clean install with the updates immediately starts freezing - This is without any programs or Apps installed.


Comment #7 by: davidcal on 31 Dec 2012, 22:11 UTC reply to this comment

The same thing happened to me. A bit of a fluke I know but I found that on the right of the slide bar at bottom of screen is a little minus.
Go to that with mouse and go directly up. The control settings come up on screen. Tap on settings go to restart option and all opens well again. Thank goodness!!!
David


Comment #8 by: Sanj on 23 Mar 2013, 10:49 UTC reply to this comment

I have the same problem after an update. The problem is with screen touch - while the mouse or trackpad is still working.

Copyright © 2001-2013 Softpedia. Contact/Tip us at

WindowsGamesDriversMacLinuxScriptsMobileHandheldNews

SUBMIT PROGRAM   |   ADVERTISE   |   GET HELP   |   SEND US FEEDBACK   |   RSS FEEDS   |   UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE   |   ROMANIAN FORUM