Classroom Configuration - Desktop Not Showing, or Start Menu Not Working

Workaround for machines with a classroom configuration (Lecture hall instructor machines, Conference room computers, MEDiC laptops, etc.) that are not showing the desktop.

Desktop Not Showing

Common symptoms are:

    • Computer perpetually hangs on "Preparing Windows"
    • Screen is dark, however to mouse cursor can be seen and moved around.

Perform the following temporary fix for machines that are exhibiting the above symptoms.

Press Ctrl - Alt - Delete to start the Task Manager

In the Task Manager click “Run new task”

Task Manager - Run new task button

In the Open: field type explorer, or explorer.exe

Open field - type explorer.exe

This should bring you to the Desktop.

Start Menu not working

Common symptom: 

    • When clicking the Start Menu shows a blank white screen

Perform the following temporary fix for machines that are exhibiting the above symptoms.

Press Ctrl - Alt - Delete to start the Task Manager

In the Task Manager click on the Details section, in the side menu.

Details section in the side menu

In the list of Services find SearchHost.exe, right click on it and select End task.

Right Click SearchHost.exe and End task 


Keywords:
explorer explorer.exe desktop classroom MEDiC 
Doc ID:
164588
Owned by:
Adrian G. in SMPH
Created:
2026-10-01
Updated:
2026-10-09
Sites:
School of Medicine and Public Health