When running the Windows Start Menu Troubleshooter, you may encounter an error message stating “Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost and Microsoft.Windows.Cortana applications need to be installed correctly.” This error can prevent your Start Menu from functioning properly. Let’s explore several methods to fix this issue and restore your Start Menu’s functionality.
Before proceeding with any of these methods, it’s crucial to create a system restore point. This will allow you to revert your system to a previous state if anything goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.
Method 1: Run System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that can help repair corrupted system files. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take several minutes.
Step 4: Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and check if the Start Menu issue is resolved.
Method 2: Repair Windows Image
If the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try repairing the Windows image using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool:
Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt as described in Method 1.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Wait for the process to complete. This may take longer than the SFC scan.
Step 4: Once finished, restart your computer and check if the Start Menu is working correctly.
Method 3: Reinstall Start Menu and Cortana
If the previous methods don’t work, you can try reinstalling the Start Menu and Cortana applications:
Step 1: Open an elevated PowerShell window. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
Step 2: To reinstall the Start Menu, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Step 3: To reinstall Cortana, use this command:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Step 4: After running both commands, restart your computer and check if the Start Menu is functioning correctly.
Method 4: Reset or Fresh Start
If none of the above methods resolve the issue, you may need to consider more drastic measures:
Step 1: Back up all your important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
Step 2: Use the “Reset This PC” option in Windows Settings. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started.
Step 3: Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Both options will reinstall Windows.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Alternatively, you can use the “Fresh Start” option, which installs a clean version of Windows while keeping your personal files and some Windows settings. This option removes most of your apps, including Microsoft Office, third-party antivirus software, and preinstalled apps.
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the ShellExperienceHost and Cortana installation error and get your Start Menu working again. Remember to always create a system restore point before making significant changes to your system, and consider seeking professional help if you’re uncomfortable performing these steps yourself.