Windows Server 2016 Start Menu Will Not Open

Question

I am unable to get the Start Menu to open in Windows Server 2016 with GUI Evaluation Image. It is activated for a 180-day trial. Pressing the Windows key on my keyboard does nothing at all. The same with the Start icon on the taskbar. I have searched the Internet for solutions, but nothing is working. The problem started when I changed the Start Menu to Full Screen in the Settings:Personalization. I have since then turned that option off, but the problem persists.
There are many complaints in support forums, bun none of the suggested solutions resolve the problem. Windows Server 2016 is six years old, so I'm surprised that this problem hasn't be resolved by Windows Update, or a solution posted in support forums.
I should also note that the Windows Search also doesn't work.

Answer 1

Try creating and logging on as a new user.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Just look in this folder... %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages
There could be some missing folders... You should have 14 or 15 folders. If not, this script may fix this issue

$packages = Get-ChildItem -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\AppData\Local\Packages"
if($packages.count -lt 14){
$apps = Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Path "C:\Windows\SystemApps","C:\Windows\ImmersiveControlPanel","C:\Windows\PrintDialog","C:\Windows\MiracastView" -Include "AppXManifest.xml"
Foreach($app in $apps){
Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$app" -Verbose}
}
Else{
$null}

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/azure/en-US/e17d9be6-0156-4cb6-815c-73558bc01350/start-menu-not-opening-in-server-2016?forum=ws2016

Answer 3

Try this:

type windows+r
type: powershell
in powershell type: start-process PowerShell -verb runas
klik ok
run the following in the elevated powershell:

Remove-Item "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\RestrictedServices\Configurable\System"

New-Item "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\RestrictedServices\Configurable\System"

Alt+f4
choose logoff
login again and you're startmenu will be fixed

Answer 4

Open administrative command prompt and type or copy and paste:
msdt.exe -id SearchDiagnostic
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Click on detailed information > post images or share links into this thread

If the new user profile did not work these are some additional steps that could be tried: (it's best to have a backup image)

Regback

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/54211-start-menu-troubleshooter-windows-10-a.html

https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/microsofts_start_menu_troubleshooter.html

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Answer 5

The simplest solution may be to clean install it, patch fully and go again.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--