How to Fix Critical Error in Windows 10

Anyone using Windows would be familiar with the critical error message that pops up out of nowhere. At one moment, you will be looking around online for dissertation writers UK for your paper, and this error would arise all of a sudden. In the early days of this operating system, these errors were quite frequent, but as the software evolved over time, these errors were significantly reduced. The latest iteration of Windows, Windows 10 is among the most stable operating systems out there. However, there is always the chance of an error arising, which, in this case, turns out to be the "critical error". This error message states that the start menu and Cortana, the smart assistant, aren’t working. Then, the error prompts the user to sign out to resolve it, but in many cases, it is not so simple.

This error can be tricky to get rid of, and for that reason, we have listed a few ways that can be followed to resolve this issue. Before starting any repair attempts, it would be preferable if a system backup was performed. It is nonetheless a great way to protect your data and allows for redundancy as well.

Fix 1: Boot up in the safe mode

When the error occurs, the PC can be booted up into safe mode, and then back into normal mode to resolve the issue. You can open your PC in safe mode by following the steps below.

1. After logging in to your windows account, you need to log out again by pressing the Windows key + L.


2. On the bottom right-hand corner, you will find the power off button. Press it while holding the shift key on your keyboard and select restart.


3. After restarting, your PC will enter the boot options menu. Go to Troubleshoot->Advanced Options->Startup Settings. Then, press the restart button.


4. After the PC restarts, press F5 to access safe mode with networking.


5. Entering safe mode usually solves the problem, the only thing left is to restart your PC.

In case the problem remains, you can try our other solutions down below. You do need to remember that these solutions need to be completed using an administrator account, so your regular account will likely not work.

Fix 2: Uninstall your antivirus software

It has been reported that the critical errors arose on the PC as a result of antivirus software. If you have any antivirus-related software installed on your PC, even the ones that came preinstalled, you might have to remove them completely from your system. However, since the start menu isn’t available, it will be a tricky process. The steps to uninstalling your antivirus without start menu can be found below.

1. Open the run prompt by pressing the Windows key + R


2. In the box, type appwiz.cpl and press enter.


3. Locate the antivirus and right-click it, then click uninstall.


4. Restart your PC to finish the removal process.

Typically, antivirus software tends to be a cause of the critical error on Windows 10 systems. In case your error is still not resolved, you can install your antivirus again. However, if the issue was fixed with its removal, then you might need a different antivirus altogether.

Fix 3: Update your Windows 10 copy

For some people, updating their copy of Windows 10 solved the issue. In one of their newer updates, Microsoft has provided a solution for the error, which needs to be installed to take effect. However, the lack of a start button makes it difficult to access the settings to update, although it is possible to access it using the run prompt.

1. Press the Windows key + R to pull up the Run prompt.


2. Type ms-settings: in the box and press enter.


3. This should open up the settings through which you can navigate to Update & Security-> Windows Update. You might need to look around for the update menu depending on the version of Windows you’re using.


4. Update your Windows and check if Windows 10 update hasn’t been disabled.

After Windows has updated successfully, check the start menu again to see whether it’s working or not. If it is not, you might have to try out some other methods.

Fix 4: Disable Internet Explorer

In case you have updated your PC from the previous version of windows, you might face this critical error. For many, it was discovered that Internet Explorer was the culprit. Therefore, you will have to disable it, and for that, you have to follow these steps.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run Prompt


2. Next, type appwiz.cpl and hit enter.


3. When the "Programs and Features" window pulls up, select Turn Windows features on or off from the left side.


4. Find Internet Explorer from the list and untick it. If you receive a warning message, simply click yes.


5. Restart your computer and see if your issue has been resolved.

On some PCs exhibiting this critical error, it was found that Internet Explorer was the reason behind the Start Menu not working. In case your problem is still not rectified, you might have to look for another solution.

Fix 4: Refresh your Windows 10

After you have tried all the other ways and the critical error is still not resolved, you might have to refresh your Windows 10. Refreshing will remove all downloaded files and applications, and as such, you need to make a backup before you proceed. For this method, you might need an installation disk in the form of a CD or USB.

1. Log out of your current account using windows key + L, and then hold the shift key and restart your PC.


2. After your PC has restarted, select Troubleshooting-> Refresh your PC.


3. Next, choose “Keep my files” from the menu to save your personal files. Follow the provided instructions and keep your installation disk close, as you might need it.

These methods listed above are some ways through which you can solve this Critical Error. These fixes can look intimidating, but just like in academics where you can simply look for best dissertation writers UK, having a professional working by your side is always the better option.