Windows 10: Windows Explorer search and Start Menu not working*

About three days ago I noticed that my Search Button and searching in general wasn't working and the Start Menu was more or less broken. I tried almost every solution I could find - like running sfc /scannow or DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, that sort of thing - and none worked, unfortunately and yes, I'm running the latest patch. During my quest to solve this problem, however, I noticed some things that might help, so I'll list them below:

- Using the scroll wheel in the Start Menu causes the Windows Explorer to restart. Manually scrolling through the scrollbar, however, did nothing;
- When booting in Safe Mode, the Windows Explorer search function worked again, although the other two problems remained;
- The Windows Search service was up and running all the time;
- The Troubleshooting reported the "Incorrect permissions on Windows Search directories" error I tried to solve that problem too, to no success.


I'm guessing that it is related with the separation of Cortana from the Search Button, since during my digging I found that Cortana, the Search Button and the Start Menu were related. Every bit of help would much appreciated.

:)

 

Start Menu Search not working


When I start my computer, my Start Menu Search sometimes gets stuck in a start up or searching loop.
The start menu itself works if I am just using my mouse to click icons. The issue is hitting the Windows button on my keyboard and typing.

What is strange is that when this happens, if I log out then log in again, it starts up fine. While this is a workaround, I would like to solve the problem that is causing the problem.

I've tried re-indexing my entire computer based on a similar post I found here, but that did not work. Also - searching in a general Explorer window works fine showing the Windows Indexing does not appear to be the problem.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

Start Menu Search

Hi,

About your issue regarding the Start menu or Search, in order for us to assist you better. Please answer the question:

• Were there any recent changes made to your system prior to the issue?

In the meantime, we suggest you to check this link:
Troubleshoot problems opening the Start menu or Cortana. It contains troubleshooting steps prior to the issue.

We'll look forward to your response.

 

Start Menu Search not working


Same here