Are you missing the classic Start button on your Windows 10 computer? The absence of the Start button can be frustrating for some users who are used to accessing their apps, settings, and files from this central hub. Fortunately, there is a way to bring back the Start button and regain that familiar navigation experience. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to get the Start button back on Windows 10.
Step 1: Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: From the context menu that appears, hover over "Toolbars" and then click on "New Toolbar."
Step 3: In the "New Toolbar" window, navigate to the following location:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
Step 4: Select the "Programs" folder and click on the "Select Folder" button.
Step 5: You will now see a new toolbar added to the taskbar with the name "Programs." Left-click on the double arrow next to it to expand the toolbar.
Step 6: You can now click on the arrows to access the apps and programs on your computer, similar to how the Start button works.
Step 7: To make the Start button easily accessible, you can move the toolbar to the left side of the taskbar by clicking and dragging it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Brings back the familiar navigation experience of the Start button. | 1. Limited functionality compared to the traditional Start menu. |
| 2. Easy to customize and organize the toolbar according to your preferences. | 2. Doesn’t provide live tiles or interactive features like the Start menu. |
| 3. Provides quick access to frequently used apps and programs. | 3. Takes up additional space on the taskbar. |
With these simple steps, you can bring back the Start button on your Windows 10 computer and enhance your navigation experience. Enjoy easy access to your apps and programs with this handy toolbar.
Video Tutorial: How do I reset my Windows 10 Start menu not working?
How do I enable the power button on the Start menu in Windows 10?
To enable the power button on the Start menu in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the taskbar, located at the bottom of your screen, and select "Settings" from the context menu.
2. In the Settings window, click on the "Personalization" option.
3. On the left-pane, click on "Start."
4. In the Start settings, scroll down until you find the "Show power button" option.
5. Toggle the switch to the "On" position.
6. Once enabled, you should now see the power button on the Start menu.
Alternatively, you can also enable the power button using the Group Policy Editor by following these steps:
1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor.
3. In the left-pane of the Group Policy Editor, navigate to "User Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Start Menu and Taskbar."
4. In the right-pane, locate and double-click on "Change Start Menu power button."
5. In the settings window that opens, select "Enabled" and choose your desired power button option from the drop-down menu.
6. Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
7. Close the Group Policy Editor.
After following either of these methods, you should have successfully enabled the power button on the Start menu in Windows 10.
How do I get my Start button back?
To get the Start button back, you can follow these steps:
1. Click on the Windows icon: The Start button is usually represented by the Windows icon, located at the bottom left corner of your desktop screen. Click on it, and it will open the Start menu.
2. Use the Windows key: Another way to access the Start menu is by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. The Windows key is typically located between the Ctrl and Alt keys, and it has the Windows logo on it. Pressing this key will also open the Start menu.
3. Customize the Taskbar settings: If the Start button is missing or not functioning properly, you can try customizing the Taskbar settings. Right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" from the context menu. In the settings window, make sure the option "Use the Start menu instead of the Start screen" is enabled.
4. Restart Windows Explorer: If the Start button is still not appearing, you can try restarting the Windows Explorer process. This can be done by right-clicking on the Taskbar, selecting "Task Manager" from the menu, finding the "Windows Explorer" process in the "Processes" or "Details" tab, right-clicking on it, and choosing "Restart" or "End Task." The Start button should reappear once the process restarts.
5. Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, missing features or buttons can be a result of outdated software. Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date by checking for Windows updates. Go to the Settings app, select "Update & Security," and click on "Check for updates." Install any available updates and restart your computer if necessary.
Following these steps should help you get your Start button back and restore its functionality on your Windows computer.
How do I pull up the Start menu on my keyboard?
To access the Start menu on your keyboard, follow these steps:
1. Look for the Windows key: The Windows key is typically located on the bottom-left corner of most keyboards, between the Ctrl and Alt keys. It usually resembles the Windows logo, a square with four panes.
2. Press the Windows key: Simply press the Windows key once and release it.
3. Start menu opens: The Start menu will appear on your screen, providing you with various options and shortcuts.
Alternatively, if your keyboard has a Windows key with an icon indicating the Start menu, you can press that key directly to access the Start menu.
It’s important to note that the steps mentioned above apply to computers running Windows operating systems. If you’re using a different operating system, such as macOS or Linux, there might be different methods for accessing the equivalent functionality.
How do I restore my taskbar icons in Windows 10?
To restore your taskbar icons in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:
1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues with the taskbar icons.
2. Check the taskbar settings: Right-click on any empty space on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings." In the settings window, ensure that the "Lock the taskbar" option is unchecked.
3. Resize the taskbar: Move your cursor to the edge of the taskbar until it transforms into a double-headed arrow. Click and drag to resize the taskbar to the desired height.
4. Enable system icons: In the taskbar settings window, scroll down to the "Notification area" section and click on "Turn system icons on or off." Make sure the system icons you wish to see on the taskbar are toggled on.
5. Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Under the "Processes" tab, find "Windows Explorer" and click on it. Then, click on the "Restart" button at the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window.
6. Re-register the taskbar: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Run as administrator." In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
"`
powershell -command "Get-AppxPackage | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}"
"`
7. Create a new user profile: If the above steps didn’t resolve the issue, creating a new user profile might help. Open the Settings app, go to "Accounts," and select “Family & other users” from the left pane. Under "Other users," click on "Add someone else to this PC" and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile. Log in to the new account and see if the taskbar icons are restored.
8. Update Windows and drivers: Outdated Windows or driver versions can sometimes cause issues with the taskbar icons. Open the Settings app, go to "Update & Security," and check for any available updates. Install them and restart your computer if required.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your taskbar icons in Windows 10. Remember to stay updated with the latest Windows and driver versions to ensure the smooth functioning of your system.
Why is my Start button not showing the menu Windows 10?
The Start button not showing the menu in Windows 10 can occur due to various reasons. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
1. Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple restart can help resolve minor software glitches or conflicts that may be causing the Start menu problem.
2. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 10 operating system is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements, which could potentially address the Start button issue.
3. Check for corrupt system files: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair any corrupted or missing system files. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" without quotes, then press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the tool complete the scanning and repair process.
4. Restart the Start menu process: This solution involves restarting the Windows Explorer process, which controls the Start menu. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager." In the Task Manager window, locate "Windows Explorer" under the Processes tab, right-click it, and choose "Restart." This action will restart the process and may resolve the issue.
5. Check your antivirus software: Some antivirus programs or security suites can interfere with the Start menu functionality. Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it’s the cause of the problem. If the menu appears after disabling it, consider excluding the Start menu or adjusting the settings accordingly.
6. Create a new user account: If the Start menu still doesn’t appear, try creating a new user account and check if the Start menu functions properly in the new profile. This step helps determine whether the issue is specific to your user account or system-wide.
7. Perform a system restore: If you recently made any significant changes to your computer, such as installing new software or drivers, restoring your system to a previous point in time may help resolve the Start button issue. Open the Control Panel, search for "Recovery," and follow the prompts to restore your system.
8. Reset Windows 10: If all else fails, you can consider resetting your Windows 10 installation to its default settings. This action reinstalls the operating system while preserving your files and applications. Access the Windows Settings, go to "Update & Security," select "Recovery," and choose the "Reset this PC" option.
Remember to back up your important files before attempting any major changes to your system. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to seek additional technical support or contact Microsoft for assistance.