StartMenuExperienceHost.exe

Windows Start Menu Experience Host

System Safe UWP App

CPU Usage

1-10%

Memory

30-100 MB

Location

SystemApps

Publisher

Microsoft

Quick Answer

StartMenuExperienceHost.exe is safe. It's the Windows 10/11 Start Menu process that renders the modern Start menu interface.

Is it a virus?

No. StartMenuExperienceHost.exe is a legitimate Microsoft process for the Windows Start menu.

System Critical?

Yes. Essential for Start menu functionality. Ending it will cause the Start menu to stop working.

Can I disable it?

No. Disabling this process will prevent the Start menu from functioning properly.

What is StartMenuExperienceHost.exe?

StartMenuExperienceHost.exe is the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app responsible for rendering the Windows 10/11 Start menu. When you click the Start button, this process displays the menu, live tiles, app list, and power options.

This process replaced the older Start menu implementation from Windows 7/8, providing a modern, customizable interface with live tiles, personalization options, and integration with Windows Search.

Main Functions

Start Menu Display - Renders the entire Start menu interface
Live Tiles - Updates and displays dynamic tile content
App List - Shows installed applications alphabetically
Power Options - Displays shutdown, restart, sleep options
User Switching - Manages user account switching interface
Search Integration - Connects with Windows Search functionality

Windows 11 Changes: In Windows 11, the Start menu has been redesigned with a centered layout, rounded corners, and no live tiles. StartMenuExperienceHost.exe still powers this interface but with a modernized appearance.

Is StartMenuExperienceHost.exe Safe?

Yes, StartMenuExperienceHost.exe is completely safe - it's an official Microsoft component for the Windows Start menu.

How to Verify Legitimacy

File Location: C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\
Digital Signature: Signed by Microsoft Corporation
Single Instance: Only one instance should run per user
Activates on Demand: Starts when Start menu is opened

Important: StartMenuExperienceHost.exe should only be in the SystemApps folder. If located elsewhere or constantly using high resources, scan for malware as some trojans impersonate this process.

High CPU or Memory Usage

StartMenuExperienceHost.exe typically uses 30-100 MB RAM and minimal CPU. High usage usually indicates an issue.

Common Causes

Corrupted Start Menu Cache - Damaged tile or layout cache
Too Many Live Tiles - Many actively updating tiles
Windows Updates - Brief spikes after system updates
Third-Party Start Customization - Software modifying Start menu
Corrupted User Profile - Profile-specific issues

Troubleshooting Start Menu Issues

1. Start Menu Won't Open

Restart StartMenuExperienceHost: Task Manager → End StartMenuExperienceHost.exe (it will restart automatically)
Restart Windows Explorer: Task Manager → Windows Explorer → Restart
Run Windows Update: Ensure all updates installed
Reset Start Menu: PowerShell (Admin): Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost | Reset-AppxPackage

2. High CPU/Memory Usage

Disable Live Tiles: Right-click tiles → More → Turn live tile off
Clear Start Menu Cache: Delete contents of %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\TempState
Rebuild Search Index: Settings → Search → Searching Windows → Advanced Search Indexer Settings → Rebuild
Check for Malware: Full system scan with Windows Defender

3. Start Menu Keeps Crashing

System File Checker: Command Prompt (Admin): sfc /scannow
DISM Repair: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Create New User Profile: Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add someone else
In-Place Upgrade: As last resort, Windows Media Creation Tool → Upgrade this PC now

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does StartMenuExperienceHost.exe use so much memory?

Normal usage is 30-100 MB, but can increase with: 1) Many pinned apps and live tiles, 2) High DPI displays (4K monitors), 3) Windows 10 (Win 11 is more efficient), 4) Recently opened Start menu with many apps. If consistently over 200 MB, try disabling live tiles, clearing cache, or resetting the Start menu app.

Can I disable StartMenuExperienceHost.exe?

No, you cannot safely disable this process without losing Start menu functionality. Ending it in Task Manager will only make Windows restart it automatically. Some users install third-party Start menu replacements (like Classic Shell or Start10), but StartMenuExperienceHost will still run in the background.

How do I fix "Start Menu critical error" in Windows 10?

This error means StartMenuExperienceHost has crashed. Solutions: 1) Windows Update (Settings → Update & Security), 2) PowerShell (Admin): Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}, 3) Create new user account and migrate data, 4) In-place upgrade with Windows installation media.

What's the difference between StartMenuExperienceHost and sihost.exe?

StartMenuExperienceHost.exe specifically handles the Start menu interface, while sihost.exe (Shell Infrastructure Host) manages broader shell infrastructure including Action Center, notification popups, and background shell tasks. Both work together - sihost.exe provides infrastructure, StartMenuExperienceHost renders the menu itself.