CRITICAL ERROR - Start Menu and CORTANA aren't working. W'll try to fi

The way to fix the error is go to the patch KB3093266 its a windows patch and delete it. Then stop windows from auto upgrading. This was a patch to fix the issue but it causes it. I have fixed six machines by doing this and it works well. Just go to windows updates once in awhile and see if they have another patch to fix this patch.

RadDad said:

I found that opening task manager and doing an end task on the Local Security Authority Process ( 5 ) would reboot the computer and clear the error.

Press Ctrl Alt Del buttons at the same time . The Task Manager window opens. Then locate the process I mentioned above. Right click it and choose end task. Wait while the computer reboots.

Just delete windows patch KB3093266 and turn of auto update this will stop the error. Restart is needed I believe.

Thanks, Balisteve!

Here's Microsoft's page on the System File Checker. Basically, it looks for missing or corrupted system files and replaces them from a special cache on your system disk. On my system, it took about 12 minutes to run.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929833

To access the Command Prompt (Admin), right-click on the Windows Icon.

Tracy Hall Jr

Balisteve said:

Hi All,
I have been having this problem with my Lenovo Laptop and I am not really interested in deleting Avast at this stage until more information comes to light as to what is actually causing this issue. For the time being however, I have been following a procedure that seems to work. I have no idea why but I offer this as it might help others that do not want to delete Avast as they have a paid subscription or perhaps they simply want to keep a Virus Program up and running.
This works for me:
1. Enter as Administrator
2. Control Alt Delete
3. Choose Task Manager
4. File and Run New type msconfig
5. Select Start Up Check Safe Mode
6. Click OK and allow your machine to re-boot.
7. I sign in as Administrator at this point. You will find that the problem is no longer there in safe mode.
8. Select Command Prompt
9. Type sfc /scannow
10. The scan will probably return "No files affected" or something that states all was in order. Sorry, I did not write it down.
11. Type in msconfig again
12. Select Start Up and Uncheck the Safe Mode box and Hit OK
13. All back to normal.
I am NOT a Technician, just stumbled upon this solution as you do when you are desperately seeking solutions to teach a class in an hour and there are no other options. Amazing how one performs under pressure.
Cheers,
Balisteve

Based on the above, after 3 restarts I could access search again, so quickly disabled Hibernate (who hibernates these days?). then asked Avast to update the program, it wanted to install the latest version (maybe they know something?)! Anyway, so far all is working. I've upgraded about a dozen PC's and only got this problem once, weird.

Reboot and keep pressing F8, for now it's solved... Microsoft, start putting your hand on the dirt....

Thanx dude, defiantly did the trick.

This fixed the problem, thank you

In case anyone on this thread is still having issues, I found something that worked for me. It seems like there may be an issue between Dropbox & Windows 10. I uninstalled it & restarted my computer. The critical error is gone! I don't know if there are any other issues, but this solution actually worked for me.

RadDad said:

I found that opening task manager and doing an end task on the Local Security Authority Process ( 5 ) would reboot the computer and clear the error.

Press Ctrl Alt Del buttons at the same time . The Task Manager window opens. Then locate the process I mentioned above. Right click it and choose end task. Wait while the computer reboots.

I have just tried this and it has worked for me, so far. Does anyone know why? However, my Start menu is not complete, some apps seem to be missing. Otherwise fine. Well done RadDad!

I am sharing my solution on every site where I found helpful advice. I do not have Avast, have tried the sfc scannow solution, the safe boot, the F8 and everything else I found online but nothing worked. Finally I found a thread on the Dropbox Community that suggested that Win10 had a conflict with Dropbox. Per their instructions I uninstalled Dropbox (I use Revouninstall and then CCleaner to clean up), rebooted and found the Win10 Start menu functioned just fine. I then reinstalled Dropbox, have rebooted several times and the Win10 Start button continues to work just fine. If you've tried everything else and you happen to have Dropbox on your machine I suggest giving this a try.