14 DAY TRIAL // There are several big issues in Windows 10 and most of them already have a fix, but there’s at least one problem that’s still being experienced by plenty of upgraders who are left out in the cold without a fully working solution.
The Start menu and Cortana fail to work on some Windows 10 PCs due to a critical error, which, according to those who are experiencing the problem, makes the computer quite unusable because there is no way to access installed apps or files.
The error that most users are getting reads:
“Critical Error - Start menu and Cortana aren’t working. We’ll try to fix it the next time you sign in.”
Microsoft’s workaround
Microsoft has already provided a workaround and recommended users to reboot to Safe Mode and then start their computers normally, but it turns out that, despite this somewhat basic fix, the problem still exists on plenty of PCs.
Obviously, frustration among Windows 10 adopters is growing, and posts like the one below are becoming very common on support forums where those affected by the problem are seeking for assistance from Microsoft in order to fix it:
“This problem was identified back in early July. Still no solution. Absolutely ridiculous. The average computer user can't provide the feedback they want. I was able to restore Windows 10 to a restore point before the problem happened,” user AA_310 posted.
“My start menu works but Edge icon disappeared. The only way I can get it to open is to search for websites in the start menu search. So I have a round about solution but not sure how long it will work. In today's age to launch a new product with problems like this is a death wish. Problem is Microsoft is too big to see its dying.”
Right now, the only solution that might work in most cases is a full reset, but this means that all your files, apps, and settings are removed. And there is no guarantee that the Start menu and Cortana would work after that.