Windows 10 Pro - cannot use the start button

[vgulielmus]

One of our Windows 10 Pro workstation cannot be shutdown using the "normal path", but only by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE
When I click the Start Button, nothing happens.

By using a restore point, a few weeks ago, I managed to temporarily solve the problem, but now my colleague complains again.

I suspect an update to be the culprit, but I'm not sure.

Can anyone point me to the right direction?

 

[DrB0b]

I know there are group policies and reg tweaks where you can make this be a function and not a "bug" as you currently see it. If this is a domain joined workstation, I would check the applied GPs and then check those out to see if they have anything messing with the start menu. If not in a domain, then I would look at recently installed updates and do a little homework to see if there is one that has that side effect. I would think if that was the case you would have more workstations with the issue though unless this is the only W10 in your org.

Have you checked if there is no custom start layout file specified within the Administrative Templates >Start Menu and Taskbar > Start Layout ?
As seen here: https://www.top-password.com/blog/disable-power-button-in-windows-10-start-menu/

 

[DrB0b]

"When I click the Start Button, nothing happens." - can you elaborate? Can you right click and have it bring up any options? Left click does absolutely nothing or it opens the start area but nothing is there?

 

[vgulielmus]

Thank you for the reply.
First I must mention that my colleague told me that the problem suddenly disappear, and I moved on. Maybe it was some unfinished updates (I instructed her to allow Windows to finish the updates, because I suspected that she rushed and closed the PC before the updates finalized).

But the behavior was really strange, as I recall.
I was able to run the task manager, but it shows absolutely nothing, just an empty window.
Clicking the Start button had no effect at all.
I must apologize, but the issue happened several weeks ago, and we are really busy this time, so I forgot some of the things.
Anyway, I tried a lot of suggestions found through Google, including System File Checker (the SFC command), but nothing helped me.

Now, like I told you, there is no problem anymore, but if it reappears, I will come back.

 

[vgulielmus]

Just came from the same PC. Once again behaves oddly.
Using msconfig I managed to restart in safe mode.
In safe mode, I use msconfig once again to restart normally, and that's it! Now behave normally.

Maybe explorer.exe has some issues?
I will search further and when I find something new, I will comeback here.

 

[DrB0b]

Try using Taskmanager to kill and reopen explorer.exe and that will tell you if that is part of it.