Windows 10: Search Function Does not Work in Windows 10

I have an unanswered followup question in another string, but it seems starting a new question may get results.


For about a month, the search function in File Explorer and Win + S and Contana have not worked - I cannot type in the search box.


Based on the number of similar questions in the Community, it seems that many others are experiencing the same problem.


Responders to the questions have provided a long list of various ways to 'fix' the problem.


I tried them all, and they don't work.


Rather than the multitude of 'fixes' that don't work why doesn't Microsoft provide a fix and include it in an update?


Or, come up with a 'fix' that actually works and post it prominently here.


Please fix your software and don't keep sending us on wild goose chases.

:)

 

Proxy Explorer window search function does not work

Yeah I have known about this. However programs are allowed to register their file type used to generate a global list, which the index program uses. I am guessing that it is related to that, or alternatively the file type dialog in the Open Explorer window, which seems to be generated by the particular program that uses it.

There is an open ticket for file association in Windows 10 in the MPC HC forums, although none about search function.

Does the "media files..." options in the file type dialog of Open for VLC work when you try to search? I am referring to the option highlighted in red BTW.

 

Edge Search Does Not Permit Change of Region


I got these suggestions from the Microsoft Community forum.No. 1 worked for me:

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community. I am glad to assist you on this.
We have reproduce the issue here and we are able to access non-regional search for google using Microsoft Edge.
I would suggest you to try the below steps and check if it helps.
Step 1:
Clear browsing data option of Microsoft Edge and check if you face the issue. To do so perform the steps below.

1. Click on the More actions icon next to the feedback icon present on top right corner of the Project Spartan homepage.
2. Select Settings and click on Choose what to clear.
3. Check the boxes Browsing history, Cookies and saved website data and Cached data and files and click on Clear.

Step 2:
I suggest you to create a new user account and check if the issue occurs.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Choose Accounts and then select Family and other users.
3. Select add someone else on this PC.
4. Enter a user name and hit next.
5. Click on Finish.
6. Sign out from the current Account and Log into the new account.

Step 3:
It could also happen because of network issue. I suggest you to try with different network connection and check if it helps.

 

Windows 10 Search not working, Build 10240 After Sysprep


I work in a school district and have started testing Windows 10 and making images. The problem I am having is that after setting the computer up and sysprepping it to be deployed on other computers, when I put it on another computer the search function and cortana don't work at all. I can see the search at the bottom left, but clicking on it does nothing. The start menu works fine (I have seen posts where someones start menu does't work in conjunction with the search not working). It is just the search function that will not work. Below are the steps I use to customize the computer...

1. Install Windows 10 from cd
2. Enter Audit mode with CTRL + SHIFT + F3 after installation to customize
3. Customize the computer the way I want it
4. Sysprep the computer (sysprepe.exe /oobe /shutdown /generalize /unattend:myunattendfile)
5. Capture the image.

I have done this two different times now (full installs and customized), and both times the search function is broken after putting the image on a computer. I do not even see cortana listed anywhere in the C:\Programfiles\WindowsApps. I have tried running the suggested command "Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest*.xml"}" and it doesn;t fix the search function. Windows key + S doesn't do anything either. Has anyone experienced this issue? Any help would be appreciated, Thanks!

Dustin