Windows 10: 7-like alternative to windows 10 search function?

Hey guys,
So a few months ago I updated from windows 7 to 10, and for the most part I've liked the transition. But one key problem that's been persisting since the upgrade is the search function. Windows 7 had a very clean search bar, where you just typed in the name of the program and it came up. Now, not only do I have to make sure I'm actually searching instead of using the Cortana bar (which is in the exact same place), it nearly never actually finds the program i'm looking for, instead displaying web suggestions that usually have little to do with my actual search. Is there any sort of program I can use that replaces the search bar with a more useful one?
Thanks in advance.

:)

 

Windows 7 was so much better. Can I downgrade to it?

You don't have to downgrade to windows 7. Do a web search online for "Start10", the first menu alternative for Windows 10 with the look of Windows 7 menu.

I just upgraded to Windows 10 and love it. It has much less overhead and quicker than Windows 7. I have the Start 10 menu app to configure it to look like windows 7.

Start10 : Software from Stardock

 

No search files on this computer option after update?

To find files in Windows 10, use the search box in File explorer [it is practically the same as the search box in windows 7's Windows explorer].

There is some guidance in
A Guide to Using Windows Search; Two Alternatives to Windows Search This is a Windows 7 Wiki article but it remains valid for Windows 10 with the exception of the Start menu search item that you have already mentioned.

 

Classic Shell will get you a Windows 7 Start Menu including the W7-type search; very customizable.

 

OMG. Thank you simrick. Very helpful link, makes me a happy camper!

 

You are quite welcome! *Thumbs
It made my life easier with W8...

Please go ahead and mark the thread as "solved".

 

You have been searching in the wrong place, probably as a creature of habit.
Click on Settings (bottom right hand corner) then All Settings box.
In box at top right "Find a Setting" type what you are looking for and after two or three letters you will have a selection.
This in my opinion is far superior to anything in W7, or any app such as Classic Shell.
Hope this helps.

 

I don't have a 'settings' option in the bottom right hand corner

 

I think he's referring to the "notification" icon.

 

I stand corrected "notification" icon, I too am a creature of habit as this is where I look for settings.
There is also an alternative "Settings" option just above the "Power" button.

 

Cortana and Bing work and find everything I want straight away
I start to type what I want and Cortana has it up before I have even finished.
So far she has not made one error

 

For general information Cortana and Bing are useful, but the original request was for "Program Search" for which you need to enter Settings.

 

hmmm.... I can get to my programs through Cortana:





By typing or verbally asking "Hey Cortana, open Skype for Desktop".

 

There are a number of ways of doing this without installing a third party program.

For instance, you can type what you want to search for, and then click the "My Stuff" link at the bottom, or if you know it's local you can just type "mystuff:whateveryouwanttosearchfor" (without the quotes).

I believe there may be a setting to make this the default as well, but I can't seem to recall what it was.

 

Try saying "Hey Cortana, mouse settings.....to see stupid response.

Yes you can type in the Cortana box for program search, personally I find a much more comprehensive and straight to the point answers using the Settings box. This way you only need to type two letters for pretty well any program, and also what you need options within that program.