Windows 10 Start Icon Not Working

Dear Computer Lady,

Today when I turned on my computer I could not get anything when I hit the start up button, which on my computer is the windows icon on lower left side of screen. I have a Dell computer, windows 10. Also my Internet Explorer pin on tool bar is gone. I use to hit the windows icon and it opened up where apps are and now will not open them.

Any help is appreciated. Love your email and send it on to others to learn from.

Thanks, Donna

Dear Donna,

This is actually a frequent problem with Windows 10. Microsoft is aware of the problem, and as you install Windows updates, the problem should be resolved.

In the meantime, here are a few things you can try to fix the problem.

Often, just restarting your computer will fix the problem. Shut the computer down, wait a few seconds and start it back up.

You can check for updates without clicking on your start menu with the following directions:

1. Hold down the Windows logo key on your keyboard, then tap the letter, R.

2.In the “Run” dialog box that opens, type
ms-settings:
and click, “OK”. This opens Settings.

3. In the Settings window, click on “Update & security” then click on “Windows Update” in the left column, and then click on “Check for updates” in the right side of the window.

4. Install any available updates and restart your PC if required.

You could also install a start menu program other than the one built into Windows. I like to use Classic Shell at: http://www.classicshell.net/

Classic Shell is free software that provides a highly customizable start menu with multiple styles. It also will allow you to pin programs to your taskbar.

Hopefully one of these suggestions will help you.

Elizabeth

 

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Elizabeth Boston is a Web designer, Social Media Consultant and managing editor of, “Ask The Computer Lady”.
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