How to fix the Windows 10 Start menu after applying update KB4517389

By Mauro Huculak
last updated

If you can't open the Start menu after update KB4517389, use these steps to roll back to a previous build and fix the issue on Windows 10.

As part of the October 2019 Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft rolled out update KB4517389 for devices running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) to address several problems, including for printing, performance, and security. However, shortly after the release, a small number of users began to report that after applying the update, the Start menu stopped working.

According to some users on Reddit (via Windows Latest) and Microsoft forums (opens in new tab), immediately after installing the KB4517389 cumulative update — which bumps the version to build 18362.418 — the Start menu breaks with "Critical Error, Your Start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in" message.

If the problem sounds familiar, that's because during the September 2019 Patch Tuesday rollout, Windows 10 experienced a similar issue, and even though it was later labeled as resolved, it appears that this isn't the case.

Microsoft still hasn't acknowledged this issue on the Windows 10 health dashboard (opens in new tab) website, but at the official forums (opens in new tab), one of its employees said that Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a permanent solution. However, the patch won't arrive until sometime in "late October."

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to remove the cumulative update KB4517389 to fix the Start menu on your device until a permanent fix is available.

How to fix Start menu critical errors after updating to KB4517389

To uninstall Windows 10 update KB4517389 and resolve related problems with the Start menu, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.Quick tip: As a result of the Start menu being broken, you can open the Settings app using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut. Alternatively, you can right-click the desktop and select the Display settings or Personalize option. Or if available, right-click the Start menu, and select the Settings option or right-click the taskbar and select the Taskbar settings option.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the View update history option.

  1. Click the Uninstall updates option.

  1. Select the "Update for Microsoft Windows (KB4517389)" item.
  2. Click the Uninstall button.

  1. Click the Yes button.
  2. Click the Restart Now button.

Once you complete these steps, your device will revert to the previous version, fixing any issues you may have experienced with the Start menu.

Are you having any issues with the latest cumulative update for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update? Let us know in the comments.

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

2 Comments
  • To solve the issue with the Start menu, we should open the Settings menu which is located in... the defective Start menu.
    It reminds me the old "if you can't access your inbox, please send a mail" thing.
    Would be nice to give a way (or more) to open the settings menu (windows key+i, for instance).
    And for your information, when selecting the Uninstall option, the settings menu crashes...
    Another solution maybe?
  • The solution is simple, just download and install the Classic Shell Start menu and use, it works for me.