Windows 10: Can no longer start timer from taskbar search box

Hi, I just recently noticed that I can no longer start a timer easily from the Windows 10 taskbar search box. Previously I was able to type "timer 23 min" and it would start a 23 minute timer immediately when I hit enter. But now the best match is under "See web results" and when I hit enter, it opens a new tab in the Edge browser to a Bing search for "timer 23 min".


I have used this functionality pretty much daily, so this change definitely removes some nice convenience for me that Windows 10 had. Also, I have not rebooted my computer in a week probably so this change didn't occur after a regular windows update. It could have been a behind the scenes update however since I know they can update some things that way.


One more interesting thing I notice is that if I type "timer " it will still bring up the Timer app. And I see other results for "timer 2 min" just below the Timer app. So if I type "timer 2 min" and hit enter, it indeed starts the 2 minute timer as before. Also if I type "timer 5" I see there is an entry for "timer 55 min" and I can type that full to match and it does start a 55 minute timer. I notice this is a Cortana entry there, and I guess Cortana is starting the timer, so maybe this change is from a Cortana update.


To summarize, this seems to be related to Cortana since Cortana starts the timer this way, and the change occurred without a computer restart. So this change could have been due to a Cortana update behind the scenes. This is my guess.


Do you have any other ideas of what might have happened? I would request to MS - please change it back!

:)

 

Search box on taskbar missing.

Hi John,

This issue with search box may happen if it's hidden from the taskbar.

To resolve the issue, follow the steps below:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select Search.
• Select Show search box.

Feel free to post back if you have other concerns.

 

No search box on taskbar

Hi Keith,

Thank you for posting your response in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern about search box in Windows 10.

Please try the below and check if you can see search bar on taskbar:

Steps:

• Right click on Taskbar, move the mouse cursor on to
  Search option.
• Select Show Search icon (You will see Search icon beside Start)
• Select Show search bar (You will see Search bar beside Start)

Check with the above and let us know if it helps, we will be happy to help you.

 

Search box

Hi,

To start troubleshooting your issue, follow the steps below:

• Right-click on the taskbar.
• Select Cortana.
• Click Show search box.

Let us know how it goes.