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Windows 10 Start Menu is Blank or Icons Not Showing [Fix]
Restart the Windows Explorer process
3 min. read
Updated onMarch 26, 2024
updated onMarch 26, 2024
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Key notes
Windows 10has one of the greatest Start menus. Its Start menu is slick, modern and includes app tile shortcuts that give it a whole new dimension. But to their dismay, many find the Windows 10 Start menu blank.
In some cases, the Start menu icons are not displaying properly, or the Windows 10 tiles are not showing. Keep reading to find out the solutions!
What can I do if the Start menu is blank in Windows 10?
1. Pin the Tiles to the Start Menu again
First, unpin the blank app tiles on theStart menuand pin them back on.Right-clickan app tile on theStart menuand selectUnpin from Start.
Scroll to the app on theStart menu‘s app list,right-clickit, and selectPin to Startto pin the tile back on.
2. Restart Windows Explorer with Task Manager
A quick solution for issues with the Start menu or the Taskbar, especially when these are blank or the icons are missing, is to restart the Windows Explorer process.
3. Run a System File Scan
Blank app tile shortcuts could be due tocorrupted system files. System File Checker is probably the best Windows tool for repairing corrupted files.
Instead of relying on that, you can fix this Windows 10 trouble with specialized support from astandalone repair tool.
4. Run the Start Menu troubleshooter
The Start Menu troubleshooter is an effective tool but is not included in the default Windows installation. So, you will have todownload the Start Menu troubleshooter.
The troubleshooter has been found to fix issues when the Windows 10 Start menu is blank. So, make sure to run it and make the changes it recommends.
5. Set up a new user account
Often, it’s acorrupt user profileto blame when the Windows 10 Start menu is blank. And in that case, the only option is tocreate a new user profile.
And do not forget tomake the user an administratorto secure advanced permissions and privileges.
6. Restore Windows to a Restore Point
ASystem Restorewill revert Windows back to an earlier date. It might remove recently installed third-party software conflicting with the Start menu.
In addition, it also rolls back minor updates and can repair system files. As such, System Restore could feasibly fix blank app tiles in the Windows 10 Start menu and get things up and running.
Before you leave, find out how tocustomize the Start Menuin Windows.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix Start Menu,windows 10 fix
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
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