Windows 10: Can't access search index settings and explorer crashes when I right click . How can I fix...

Ever since refreshing my Windows 10 search index a couple days ago, because I no longer wanted my entire computer to be indexed, I've had an issue where right clicking on a shortcut .lnk file causes the file explorer window to freeze. If I right click a shortcut on the taskbar or desktop start menu works fine, all of explorer.exe taskbar, desktop and start menu also freeze. After a further 10 minutes, the icons of shortcuts pinned to my taskbar also disappear. The time on my taskbar stops updating and I can't use programs in the notification area, but I am still able to minimize programs

:)

 

Search index settings

Hi Samir,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. I understand the inconvenience you are facing. I will certainly help you with this. This issue may arise due to some corruption or broken index. Kindly refer the below given methods and check if it helps:

Method 1:

I suggest you to run the Search and Index troubleshooter and check if it helps.

• Press Windows key, type troubleshooter in the search box and then press enter.
• Select Troubleshooting. Click on
  view all and select Search and Indexing troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 2:

If issue persist, I suggest you to run System file checker. System File checker (SFC) scan is done to check if there are any corrupted system files that could be causing this issue. Kindly follow the below given steps:

• Press Windows key + X, select Command prompt (Admin) to bring up elevated Command prompt.
• In Command prompt type sfc/scannow and press enter.
• Restart the computer.

Hope this information helps. Post back with updated issue details for further help.

Thank you.

 

Search - Indexing not running

Hello,

One of the possible reasons why you're having issues when using search is because of a corrupted user profile. For us to assist you, we suggest that you create another account with administrator privileges and try to use the search feature again. Here's an
article that you can visit to see how to do it:
Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.

If the issue persists, we suggest that you perform the steps listed below to correct the settings of your Indexed folder:

• Press the Start button.
• Type %LocalAppData%.
• Select Packages.
• Click on windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy.
• Choose LocalState.
• Right-click the Indexed folder.
• Click Properties.
• Click Advanced.
• Click the checkbox beside Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties so that a check mark appears.
• Click OK.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK. A window with a progress bar will pop up as the folder is indexed.
• Click OK when the indexing progress is finished.

After doing the steps provided, kindly try to use the search feature again.

Kindly update us with the results and if you need further assistance, feel free to post back.

 

Index search in File Explorer

Hello,

I suggest you to try the below step to see if it resolves the issue.



If the index can't find a file that you know exists in an indexed location, you might need to rebuild the index. Rebuilding the index can take several hours, and searches might be incomplete until the index is fully rebuilt.

1. Open Indexing Options by clicking the
Start button and then clicking Control Panel. In the
search box, type indexing options, and then click
Indexing Options.

2. Click Advanced. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3. In the Advanced Options dialog box, click the
Index Settings tab, and then click Rebuild. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Reference:

Windows help & learning.

Windows help & learning.

Hope this helps to resolve the issue. Please revert for any clarification on this or any Windows issue. We will be glad to help you.