Windows 10: Windows search can't find any programs or settings on my computer

This is a fresh install of Windows as of maybe 2 weeks ago, on a brand new system. I've been getting pretty annoyed because searching from the start menu just won't give me the results I'm looking for. All installed programs refuse to appear, and most settings i.e. searching for 'display', 'bluetooth', etc don't show either.


Here are some screenshots to show what I mean. In the first one, you can see I have Adobe Photoshop installed on my computer, and its icon is showing in the start menu.




However, if I search for "photoshop", the only result is a web search. No matter how I reword my search, the application just doesn't appear in the search results.




This is happening for all applications I've installed. Discord, Blender, Steam, etc. You name it. None of them appear when searching.


Some things DO appear, though. Most pre-installed windows apps seem to appear, like the Settings app, Camera, Calculator, Weather, etc. Also, when I said earlier that MOST options in Windows Settings like 'display', 'bluetooth' don't return any results, oddly some DO, like 'mouse', 'keyboard', and 'update'.


Another odd thing, I have a couple of windows store apps installed: a speed test app, and twitter. Previously they would show up when searching, but after running a reindex today, they now don't appear in the results anymore. nice.


Additionally, the search bar in the Settings app doesn't work either. If I open the Windows Settings app and try to search for 'display' in the searchbar at the top, it will show the searching animation for maybe 20 or so seconds and then say "no results for display."


I've run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter, and it doesn't seem to be of much help either. I check "files, folders, apps, or settings don't appear in results" and the troubleshooter tells me it found a problem: "windows search is not working". Then it prompts me to try again as an administrator. After doing that, it tells me the problem is "fixed". But there is no change, applications still don't show in the search results. And if I run the troubleshooter again, it just says "windows search is not working" again. So I guess the "fix" isn't really doing much.


So what have I tried?

• I've rebuilt the index on several occasions with no luck 28,000-30,000 items indexed, Start Menu and Users folders in Included Locations
• I've run sfc /scannow; it once found an issue and fixed it, but no change to the indexing. Running it again says no issues found.
• I've run the Indexing troubleshooter, it falsely tells me the problem is "fixed" each time
• Verified the Windows Search service is running and set to start automatically delayed
• Verified "Background Apps" is on in Windows Settings
• Some have said disabling Cortana fixed search issues for them, but I don't think I ever had Cortana enabled in the first place.

I'm feeling like the only option left is to try and reinstall/repair windows itself... but that just feels like such a painnnnn. I just installed it, shouldn't it just work? Feels like every article just says to restart, reindex and run sfc scannow. I'm really hoping there is some other kind of solution out there.

:)

 

How to find program on computer?

I'm puzzled over why I can't find a program by searching, no matter what words I use, although the program is plainly there on the Apps & Features page in Settings.

It's Logitech SetPoint 6.69. I used it when I installed it and want to make changes but I can't find it in the Cortina search function.

It's also listed on the "Uninstall or Change a program" page in Programs and Features. The computer can't find it by searching for it, so how do I access it?

Any suggestions, please?

Larry

 

Why did the startup window get cleared?

I didn't missed any step, the list was gone and gone , even after using lot of programs the programs were not listed in that list.

 

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.