Windows 10: Programs not showing in Start Menu or Search box after SFC and update?

I was having the "waiting for cache" problem detailed here https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...or-cache/56580dea-4909-4747-b342-4407df8ff287 . I proceeded to follow the instructions in the first post:

•- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
•- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
•- DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
•- sfc /scannow

The results of the final scan show that some corrupted files had been successfully restored. I performed this operation on Jul 21/20. On Jul 22/20 i used Glary Utilities to perform a routine no registry edits or anything Disk Cleanup at 1:25pm local time. At some time after this on Jul 22/20 i saw a "Welcome to Windows" screen and noticed that my Microsoft Outlook was no longer in the Start Menu nor searchable in the Search bar, and that half my desktop shortcuts to programs were gone. I had to shut down my computer as I was travelling. When i next opened my computer i confirmed that half of my programs are missing from the Start Menu, have their desktop shortcuts deleted and are not searchable in the Search bar. They do still show as being installed. I checked my Windows Update history and it shows that Features Update 1909 was installed Jul 21/20.


I have uninstalled the Features Update, done a System Restore to Jul 21/20 and reversed/restored the Glary Utilities operations, but nothing has worked. My programs are gone from the menu and search bar. I was able to get my Microsoft Outlook back by doing a repair of the installation. But other programs will not "stay installed", for instance I am able to search the installer for one program, and every time i run it, it does a fresh install but does not stay installed nor appear in the menu or search results as a fully installed program. Would really like to not have to install it every time i'd like to use it.

I'm at my wits' end. I don't know how to categorize this as i don't know if it's the Windows Update, the SFC or the Diskcleanup that is the problem.

:)

 

Files missing from "Start Menu" "All Programs"

RE: WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE 32bit, Files missing from "Start Menu" "All Programs" list.

I have several "start menu" programs missing in my "all programs" list. One of the missing entries is the "accessories" folder and all related files.

As far as I can tell all of the missing files are on the system and they can be found by using the "start menu search" facility. This problem is occurring with other users but I can not find a solution which works to get things back the way they were after installing the OS.

I am seeing the missing apps and other items at this location in iexplore.exe %allusersprofile%\Start Menu\Programs .

Everything I have tried to get these items back into my "start menu" "all programs" list has been met with failure except creating a shortcut. A shortcut is not the real fix as it leaves two entries in the folder.

When I right click on the highlighted "all Programs" box, in the start menu, a small options list pops up, if "open all users" is selected a new window pops up. Inside that window I can click on the programs folder where I can see the missing entries that should appear on my "all programs" list plus those which I presently see on my "all programs" list together in a single directory listing.

How can I get the above directory list of programs back into the "start menu" "all programs" area so I do not have to go through this extra window and select the programs folder to locate what I wish to run?

I also noticed my accessories folder has a lock on it while I am in the primary user administrator account. If you know how to get rid of the lock it would be helpful however I can find that information when I get a chance to look up the answer?

I noticed some hidden (first tier) folders on the C: drive which I made visible while leaving protection on the OS folders. I can now see these folders in an iexplore.exe directory listing. This did not fix the problem in the "all programs" file selection list and I do not remember if this folder was hidden when the OS was installed.

When I opened up the system to allow a login directly into the Administrator account everything shows up the same as it did when the OS installed along with all other programs installed afterward.

After some progress I am still here *Bang Head :banghead: and slowly getting closer to an answer. Can anyone help me get there a little faster?

 

search box

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I appreciate your interest in Windows 10.We sincerely regret for the inconvenience caused.

I suggest you to follow the below steps and check if are able to find search box.

• 
  Right click on the task bar.
  
• 
  Go to Cortana.
  
• 
  Click on show search box.
  

Now check if you are able to find search box.

Please let us know if you need further assistance.

Thank you.

 

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.