Windows 10: Taskbar Search Box Not Working

I've been using Windows 10 on this laptop for a few years. Yesterday things seemed to have a bit of a meltdown, and I did a restart which took a LONG time. Now for my main Admin account the Taskbar Search box does not work. I don't even see SearchUI running for this user. I created a new user and it works, so is there a way to repair the search settings for this user for the Taskbar Search box ONLY? Normal search via Explorer seems to operate. I've tried SFC and DISM, both said they found something which was repaired successfully, but still no improvement. I've seen some suggestions about running something via Powershell but those posts are more than 4 years old and I suspect they may no longer be accurate one mentioned a Cortana folder which doesn't exist.

:)

 

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.