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How to Fix Start Menu Not Opening Error in Windows Server 2016: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are using Windows Server 2016 and find that the Start Menu is not opening, it can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow. This issue is common and can happen due to various reasons including system glitches or corrupted files. Fortunately, there are several simple steps to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to get your Start Menu working again. Each step is explained in detail to ensure even beginners can follow along without confusion.

Before diving into advanced fixes, it’s important to try the basic methods first, as they often resolve the issue quickly. Let’s get started with the troubleshooting process.

By the end of this article, you will know multiple ways to fix the Start Menu not opening error on your Windows Server 2016 system.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before attempting any fixes, please make sure of the following:

  • Restart your server: Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear temporary glitches causing the Start Menu to malfunction.
  • Check for updates: Ensure your Windows Server 2016 is up to date with the latest patches as Microsoft often releases fixes for known bugs.
  • Backup important data: Although these steps are generally safe, it is always good practice to back up critical files before making system changes.
  • Ensure you have administrative privileges: Some fixes require running commands or tools that need admin rights.

Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer controls the graphical shell including the Start Menu. Restarting it can often fix minor glitches.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, scroll down and locate Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.
  4. The desktop and taskbar will briefly disappear and then reload.
  5. Try opening the Start Menu again.

This step works because restarting Windows Explorer refreshes the UI components, which can resolve transient issues.

Step 2: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause the Start Menu to malfunction. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
    3. sfc /scannow
  3. The scan may take some time. Wait until it finishes and shows the results.
  4. If any corrupted files were repaired, restart your server and check if the Start Menu works.

This tool ensures that all essential Windows files are intact and functional, which is crucial for the Start Menu to operate properly.

Step 3: Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool (DISM)

If SFC does not fix the problem, DISM can repair the Windows image itself, which might be corrupted.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator as described in Step 2.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    3. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for each process to complete. The last command can take several minutes.
  4. After completion, restart the server and test the Start Menu.

DISM repairs the Windows component store, which can fix deeper system corruption affecting the Start Menu.

Step 4: Re-register the Start Menu Using PowerShell

If the Start Menu is still not opening, you can re-register its components through PowerShell.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on File > Run new task.
  3. Type powershell, check the box for Create this task with administrative privileges, and click OK.
  4. In the PowerShell window, paste the following command and press Enter:
    5. Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  5. Wait for the process to complete. Ignore any errors related to specific packages.
  6. Restart your server and check if the Start Menu opens.

This command reinstalls and re-registers all built-in Windows apps, including the Start Menu, which can fix issues caused by corrupted app packages.

Alternative Method: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, the problem may be limited to a specific user profile. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator (see previous step).
  2. Type the following command to create a new user (replace NewUser and Password123 as desired):
    3. net user NewUser Password123 /add
  3. Next, add the new user to the Administrators group:
    4. net localgroup Administrators NewUser /add
  4. Log out of the current account and log into the new user account.
  5. Check if the Start Menu works properly under this new profile.

If the Start Menu works on the new account, it indicates that your original user profile might be corrupted.

FAQs

Why does the Start Menu stop working in Windows Server 2016?

It can stop working due to corrupted system files, glitches in Windows Explorer, profile corruption, or incomplete updates.

Is restarting the server necessary to fix the Start Menu?

A restart is often helpful but not always necessary. Restarting Windows Explorer alone may resolve the issue without a full reboot.

Can third-party software cause this problem?

Yes, some third-party applications or customizations can interfere with the Start Menu functionality.

Will running DISM or SFC affect my server data?

No, these tools repair system files and do not alter your personal data. However, backing up data is always recommended before troubleshooting.

How can I avoid this issue in the future?

Keep your server updated, avoid installing unstable third-party software, and perform regular system maintenance.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the Start Menu issue, you may need to consider more advanced troubleshooting or professional support.

  • Try performing a system restore to a previous working state if you have restore points enabled.
  • Consider running an in-place upgrade or repair install of Windows Server 2016, which reinstalls the OS without affecting your data.
  • Consult official Microsoft support or visit the Microsoft Windows Server Documentation for detailed guidance.
  • In severe cases, a fresh installation might be necessary, so ensure you have backups before proceeding.

Conclusion

The Start Menu not opening on Windows Server 2016 is a common issue that can usually be resolved through simple steps like restarting Windows Explorer, running system scans, or re-registering app packages. Starting with the easiest fixes saves time and effort, while more advanced options serve as reliable fallbacks.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to restore full Start Menu functionality and improve your server’s stability. Remember to keep your system updated and back up your data regularly to minimize future problems.

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