Windows start button and volume control do not work

kstavert · 01 Jul 2017

I use the volume control constantly - start button seldom -

Tried to adjust the volume yesterday and the slider did not
come up. had to open Volume Mixer to adjust sound.

Search (cortana) doesn't work either... just checked and
the calendar won't open .. nor will the windows notifications
box

Tried to reboot and start menu wouldn't open.

I tried all of the things here:
How to fix your Windows 10 Start Menu - BT

and nothing worked.

I got to " Refresh your PC"
and got scared when I read that it
would keep some stuffs and reset
others... didn't want to chance losing
important things on my PC so I backed
out.

If anyone has experience with fixing
this issue, I will really appreciate it.

I can't think of anything that I installed
within the past couple of days.

I know that there was an update at
least a week ago.

Thank you for your assistance
Karen

iDamn · 01 Jul 2017

well hello.

i for one have experienced this problem before, and spent 2 days searching for solution to no avail. watching youtube videos, they all fixed their issues but never did mine. the only way i fixed it was by doing the option you backed out on. sacrificed few of my data on C:/ but thats about it.

i would really like to see this problem goes away for you if there's anyone with a new possible workarounds. goodluck buddy

dalchina · 01 Jul 2017

Hi, which build of Windows are you running?
Windows key + R, winver
Please post the build number.

Have a look at your Update History
Windows key + I, Update and Security, Update History.
Please post a screenshot (if you can) or list the last 3 or 4 updates shown.
To post a screenshot please use the Insert Image icon above your post to the left of the video icon.

Look at the dates and see if one relates to the start of this problem. If so please advise the update.

Now let's consider using System Restore. If you have previously enabled this and have not just upgraded to the new Creator's build you may have some useful restore points. (Restore points are deleted when you upgrade).

As you can't use the Start Menu, try Windows key + R, rstrui

See if there's a restore point you can use.
If so, please try that and advise the outcome. If there's an error number, please quote it.

What happens if you try to launch Edge?

Try some the the things that don't work (start menu, volume control... note the time. Then use the Event Viewer (Windows key + X, Event Viewer) to look at your Event Log (Application events).
Please post any error reports that seem related to those actions.
====================================
Results of what you tried previously from the guide you quoted:

New user account:
Please confirm you created one and advise the outcome.

Similarly please advise the outcome of running
SFC /SCANNOW
and
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
as recommended in that guide.