Windows 10: Start menu empty/blank and explorer not working, possibly corrupted

Device / SystemDetailsWindows 11 OS Build 22621.963Dell Inspiron 16 7610IssueI turned on laptop last night and found that there was an empty white bar where the start menu should be ad the windows key on the keyboard did nothing.Initially, looking at Task Manager, the Windows Explorer process was not running. I then started this process, however, this did not improve anything. I then restarted the process, which also did not change anything. The Windows Explorer process always ends up as either non-responsive or closes/crashes. I can run programmes through "Run new task" in Task Manager, h

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Start Menu

Hi Willy,

One possible factor why Start menu was not working properly due to corruptions. To assist you better, kindly answer the following questions:

• Have you made any recent changes aside from updating your Windows?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

In the meantime, we suggest that you follow the steps in this article by clicking on this

link. This will let you restart your device, create a new local administrator account, reset your computer and download and run the Start menu troubleshooter. You may also perform the instructions in this article:

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files that will allow you to scan for corruptions and restore corrupted files.

Keep us posted if you need additional help.

 

windows right click menu shows blank

Hello,

We realize the inconvenience you are experiencing with Start menu showing up blank on your system. We will certainly help you with this issue.

• How often does this issue occurs?
• Have you installed all pending Windows updates?

This issue could be due to missing or corrupted files present on your system. We suggest you to try the steps from the below Microsoft Help article and check if it helps:

Troubleshoot problems opening the Start menu or Cortana

Let us know the status of the issue. We will be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

File Explorer hangs on "working on it" & Open As menu crashes

I don't see any problem extension in your context menu for image files. Another suggestion is to disable automatic folder type discovery and set all folders to either details view or list view (all folders and libraries).

It's also possible that explorer is tripping up due to a corrupt video thumbnail or video file in one or more of your folders,