Windows 10: Windows 10 - edge and search issues

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas or has experienced this issue...


My father has brought a brand new custom pc which came with windows 10 pre-installed. Everything was fine to begin with but somewhere along the process of installing his programs, edge and windows search stopped working. Windows search bar brings up a blank screen which closes if I try to type and edge opens but then closes itself a few seconds later.


So, I tried various solutions for these issues including windows troubleshooter, rebuild index, sfc scan, check windows search service, disable cortana, third party antivirus/windows firewall. Eventually I decided it was time to reinstall windows which, of course solved the problem... temporarily.


I then proceeded to install his software, checking after each install to make sure everything was fine, which it was. Randomly (not straight after an install), the edge issue re-appeared but search was still ok. Then shortly after, windows search stopped working again. At this point, I'm getting a little bit frustrated as my father is elderly and unwell, any stress is bad for him so his (and my) stress levels were soaring. I've installed chrome for now so he can use his pc but I am due to go back and investigate further.


The software which had been installed at this point was basically just 2 lots of printer software, epson being one. I was aware of a previous issue with epson and windows 10 but as far as I'm aware it only affects the functionality of the printer itself.


Any fresh ideas I can be armed with will be a great help. Thanks in advance

Demi

:)

 

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.

 

New install Windows 10 (issue solved)

It's good that you're not experiencing any issues. Unfortunately many folks are, a quick Google search will show the same info im offering the OP.

Heres a couple examples:

Here

Here

It's basically what I mentioned above, small issues here and there ,but nothing to end your day.. for the most part.

I know it's anecdotal, but for my experience 95% of the time it's perfectly fine. The issues I've run into wouldn't be enough for me to roll back , but they would be enough (had I not installed it yet) ,to avoid it for another couple weeks which is why I'm suggesting it to the OP

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update problems and complaints

• Installation problems with the Fall Creators Update
• Microsoft Edge problems with the Fall Creators Update
• Drivers problems with the Fall Creators Update
• Experience problems with the Fall Creators Update

keep in mind, as of recently, the FCU is installed on 5% of devices roughly.....

 

Edge Search Does Not Permit Change of Region


OK found the solution, a classic workaround:

Go to US Proxy List - Free Proxy List
Pick a proxy with SSL
Set it as proxy in Control Panel | Internet Options | Connections | LAN Settings
Test it by going to google.com
If you do NOT see a "Use Google.xxxx" (xxxx is a contry-specific TLD such as .co.th, .co.uk, etc) then you can go to next step
If you DO see a "Use Google.xxxx" (xxxx is a contry-specific TLD such as .co.th, .co.uk, etc) then try another proxy

Next step:
Now you can follow the standard switch of search engine as per here:
Microsoft Edge Search Engine - Change in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

Basically unless Google sees you as being in the USA it will force the localized google search engine URL on you, like it or not.