Windows 10: Can't open start menu search result

In indexing options via the control panel I have set included locations Desktop, Favorites, Pictures, Start Menu and Users with no exclusions. When I search for the specific program "Git Bash" the search result appears but I can't open it, nothing happens when I left or right click it. In C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Git the shortcut "Git Bash" is in that directory and I can open the shortcut from that directory.I have already deleted and rebuilt the index as well as used the following commands in administrator mode of command prompt: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Re

:)

 

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 can't click on search results leading to Settings pages + Settings search results not loading

After I installed the Creator's Update (Version 1703, OS Build 15063.296), I found some results in start menu search being not clickable (i.e., no repsonse when clicking on them) while other results being fine.

I tried everything I could find by google:

• Restart Cortana through task manager
• Restart WSearch service through services.msc
• Rebuild windows search index
• Reinstall/Re-register windows apps through Dism.exe
• Modify windows registry

Nothing workable.

However, when logged in with another account, I found the start menu search working fine.

Then I read this article (SOLVED: Video: How To Hard Reset or Remove Cortana In Windows 10 – Up & Running Inc – Tech How To's) and follow his steps 1-3:

• Create a new administrator on your Window 10 and sign in as that user
• Delete (or rename) C:\Users\<PROBLEM USER>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy
• Sign back in as the PROBLEM USER
• Open PowerShell as an admin and type (or paste)
  
  Add-AppxPackage -Path “C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register

I didn't walk through all 4 steps, cause when I logged in with the "PROBLEM USER" I found everthing was okay.

I guess the start menu search (or cortana search) works as following procedures:

• Build a private database, including start menu programs, control panel items, etc.
• When users try to search something, it starts from the private database
• Then it shows the results queried from WSearch databases

Hence, if something wrong with the items in its private database, the result is not clickable. Clear its private database will fix the problems.

 

Start menu Search can't click on search results leading to Settings pages + Settings search results not loading

Thanks a lot, I've been experiencing this issue for a long time and it was driving me crazy!

The only point is, I didn't do step 4 because after I logged back to my user account the problem was solved.

It seems that deleting the Cortana folder triggers some kind of reindexing job which solves this issue.

I hope Microsoft comes up with a built-in solution for this scenario that allows users to call the reindex operation for Cortana. or at least they can make this as part of the troubleshooting options.

Once again thanks, you've made my day.