Some programs not loading from Start screen

ADKR · 08 Oct 2017

About half of my tiles on the Start screen are not functioning. If I find the *.exe they will load from that file. I have tried a Restore but it would not complete even in Safe Mode. I have run a fix on the Power Shell and reinstalled Metro/Modern apps. The screen shot shows which programs load. It seems more like settings only. None of my added programs load. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling one to no avail. Frustrated? Yep. Thanks for any suggestions.

dalchina · 08 Oct 2017

Hi, As I understand it tiles relating to desktop programs you have installed do not work, but if you navigate to the installation folders, they do launch correctly.

However you then say

None of my added programs load. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling one to no avail.

That seems to contradict

If I find the *.exe they will load from that file.

Do you mean that you can't launch any programs you install from either the start menu (left hand side) or their tile?

What error message was reported by your attempt to use System Restore?

What is your Windows build?
Windows key + R, winver
Thanks.

ADKR · 08 Oct 2017

Version 1703
Build 15063.632
I mean that clicking on any tile or icon does not load a program. If I locate the file on my hard drive I can open from there. So nothing except the ones bordered in red will load from the Start screen.

The error message from Restore I would have to do it again to find it. But it suggested I stop my antivirus program and try again. I did and even loaded Windows in Safe mode, but nothing. Same error. I have always had trouble with restore and pretty much have given up on it as an option. But I am certainly willing to revisit it if you think it would help.

dalchina · 09 Oct 2017

You can try this:
Microsofts Start menu troubleshooter could fix your Windows 10 problems | Trusted Reviews
but it may not solve these problems.

To check if this is a Windows problem or a user profile related problem, and so determine the next step, please create a new user for test purposes and see if you have the same problem with that.

If you do, the next step would be an in-place upgrade repair install which keeps all programs and data and most settings.

As you know, System Restore may not work when you need it, so we repeatedly recommend the routine use of disk imaging (e.g. Macrium Reflect (free) + external storage for disk images). This allows Windows and any disk or partition to be recovered to a previous working state without technical assistance, and in under an hour.

ADKR · 09 Oct 2017

Ran the troubleshooter, no problems found.

Tried doing the reset and got a blue screen error "Something went wrong and no changes were made". There seemed to be no more information to look at.

I'll keep trying things. Not finding any other solutions in other forums or by googling the problem. Thanks for the ideas.

dalchina · 09 Oct 2017

That was the first step.. please continue..

To check if this is a Windows problem or a user profile related problem, and so determine the next step, please create a new user for test purposes and see if you have the same problem with that.

ADKR · 09 Oct 2017

I made a Guest account and it was no different that my account. Start menu icons would only work with native programs.

The issue seems to only happen with software I have added. Native programs like Edge, Calculator, Paint3D open from the icon on the Start menu. I found the application file for RevoUninstaller and CCleaner. I made a short cut onto the desktop. Clicking on the desktop icon opens the program. I tried putting those two programs on the taskbar. The icons are there but they will not open from the taskbar. The saga continues.

dalchina · 09 Oct 2017

Ok, so I would suggest
a. Create a disk image of what you have (always act defensively and use disk imaging routinely anyway)
b. Do an in-place upgrade repair install