Each ms-setting returns error (Start menu doesn't work)

Question

Hello everyone, I need your assistance in problem that was found years ago in different builds, but by doing things described in threads but I received zero result.

So, what the problem:

Windows 10;

Randomly on friday "Start" button in windows bottom panel stopped working. It doenst react on clicks, it doesn't react on pressing on windows button on keyboard. Nothing.

After googling I've found the next possible fixes:

1. SFC /scannow - didn't show any problem
2. Powershell force install of update - returned error that there is no access to do that
3. Microsoft media tool - didn't let me to update to windows 11
4. Healthcheck - didn't repair anything

Now i'm totally clueless what can I do as I receive:

ms-setting: %settingname% this file does not have a program associated with it...

Windows version is:

22H2 build 19045.5011

Answer 1

Hi, thank you for that information, please try the Media creation tool I provided, then if the issue persists, we will run a reset without using the Settings.

Answer 2

Still 404 :(

I can't open settings, that's the problem.

Start menu doesnt work, any of settings either not reacting or returns error :(

Can i start it with cmd or powershell command?

Answer 3

Hi, thank you for that information, can you try to download the Windows Media creation tool directly from this link: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=2265055

Note: If that will not work, kindly try to use a different browser, in addition, if all fails, the last method we can do is reset and keep your files, however, this process will delete all apps, if you are okay with that kindly follow the steps below:

Warning: Apps you installed from websites and DVDs will be removed. Apps that came with your PC and apps you installed from Microsoft Store will be reinstalled. Windows puts a list of removed apps on your desktop after refreshing your PC.

To Reset the PC:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery

Under Reset, your PC, tap or click Get Started.

Select Keep My Files > Local reinstall

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/giv...

Answer 4

Step 1

I've tried it multiple times, and always received an error. Note: I opened powershell as an admin, so there is no possible problems with access. It just says that The database disk image is malformed

Step 2

Windows 10 installation media - Download now leads to 404 page

Windows 10 2022 Update | Version 22H2 - tried it, nothing has changed

Creating a new user didn't help at all, same problem

Answer 5

Hi, thanks for reaching out. My name is Bernard a Windows fan like you. I'll be happy to help you out today, my timezone is UTC +8.

I understand the issue you have, there is nothing to worry I am here to help, this issue occurs when the Start Menu is corrupted or miscalibrated since you have basic steps and do try to upgrade to Windows 11, we will run repair then we will try to create a new user if the issue persists, we will run a system repair for Windows 10 only, this is the same as Media creation tool but we will use the Windows 10 version, kindly follow the steps below:

Method 1. Repair Start menu and built-in apps:

Press the Windows key + X then select Windows Powershell (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)

Copy, paste, and enter the command below:

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Once done, restart the PC and check.

Method 2. Try to create a new Admin user account again:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/create-local-adm...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

If none will work from the above solution, I suggest doing an in-place upgrade wherein it will upgrade the device to the latest version and repair all issues without deleting any files.

Note: before doing this make sure to create a restore point: https://support.microsoft.com/en-hk/help/402753...

1. go to this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...
2. Select Download Now, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
3. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
4. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now, and then select Next.
5. After downloading and installing, it should fix the issue.

Reference: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Let me know how it goes and I hope that helps.

Bernard