Laptop - Fix problems with the Start Menu
If you can't see Start on your taskbar, the taskbar may be hidden.
Show a hidden taskbar
- Press the Windows logo key + I, then select Personalization > Taskbar .
- Turn on Lock the taskbar.
- Turn off Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode or Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.
If that doesn't resolve the issue you're experiencing, select any of the following headings to see steps you can try to get it working again.
Restart Windows Explorer
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. You may need to select More details at the bottom of the window to see everything.
- Select the Processes tab.
- Scroll down to Windows Explorer, select it, then select Restart.
The process may take a few seconds, and your taskbar and Start menu may not be visible while Windows Explorer restarts. You can close Task Manager when the process is complete.
Check for updates
- Press the Windows logo key + I.
- In Settings, choose Update & security > WindowsUpdate , and then select Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer if required.
Check for updates
Note: Need another way to get to Settings? Press the Windows logo key + R, then type ms-settings: (note the colon) in the Open box. Select OK to open Settings.
Restart your device
If you didn’t have any updates that required a restart, it’s still a good idea to restart your device to make sure any pending updates are installed.
To restart your device when you can’t access Start , press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select Power and then select Restart .
Note: You can also manually shut down your device by pressing and holding the power button. Shutting down this way risks losing unsaved data, so first be sure to save and close everything you’re working on. If you shut down this way, you can restart your device by pressing the power button again.