Windows 10: Taskbar & Search not working

Hi,I'm running Windows 10 with all the latest updates.Since around xmas I've had problems with my taskbar not working. The windows button left click doesn't do anything. The search doesn't work. Cortana doesn't work. and the calendar doesn't work.Additionally, the search function in file explorer doesn't work.Restarting my computer seems to fix most of it, but before long, the problem occurs again. It's getting tiresome.

:)

 

my taskbar search is working sporadically

My taskbar search bar is working some of the time. For example, if I type in "TaskMgr", it will list taskmgr, and when I click on it, it opens my Task Manager, as expected.

But if I type in a file name or an app, like WinMerge, it will list them properly in the Search list, but if I click on them, either nothing happens or it takes me to the root window of File Explorer, instead of to the file or the app.

I ran through all the steps on this page, to no avail: How to fix search problems in Windows 10 | Windows Central

Any ideas?

 

Taskbar search

Hi,

To assist you better, kindly send us a screenshot and provide more details by answering the following questions:

• When you say "taskbar search function", do you mean the Start menu search field?
  
• Are you getting any error messages upon accessing the taskbar search?

Meanwhile, to help resolve your concern, we suggest that you run the System file checker and DISM tool to fix issues with corrupted system files that may be causing the issue. To do this, follow these steps:

• Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard.
  
• Choose Command Prompt (Admin).
  
• Type or copy these commands followed by hitting Enter:
  
  sfc /scannow
  
  dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Do let us know how it goes.

 

Taskbar search

Did not do anything to help. The search in File Explorer works fine. The first and last screen shot shows a search leading to no results but the file explorer finds them just fine. The last one shows my indexing options.

Thank you

PS: can't get the screenshots to upload....