Microsoft investigating issue that breaks Start Menu and search in cumulative update KB4515384

What you need to know

  • Microsoft is investigating an issue with Start and search that appears after updating to KB4515384.
  • The issues can cause the Start menu to not work, not appear, or lead to a "Critical Error."
  • The issues seem limited to a select number of devices.

Microsoft is investigating another search-related bug that appears in Windows 10 following a cumulative update. Several users reported issues with the Start menu after updating to cumulative update KB4515384. This is a separate issue from the high CPU usage issue that appeared last week.

This new issue can cause the Start menu to not appear, not work, or lead to a system stating it's run into a "Critical Error." The issue also breaks Windows Search in the taskbar. The critical error that appears states, "Your Start menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in."

The issue seems to only affect a select number of devices. While there's a chance that it is related to the bug on build 18362.329, enabling the "BingSearchEnabled" Registry key won't resolve the issue. We have a guide on how to fix the issue by uninstalling the update that can help you use the Start menu and Windows Search while Microsoft figures out the issue.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.