I recently acquired a new computer for work, which came with pre-installed and configured Windows. However, I have noticed that the Windows menu search feature is missing. I have become accustomed to using the keyboard’s Windows button to quickly type in my desired search terms.
As a result, this is how my current setup appears:
I attempted to reboot the Windows Search Service in an effort to resolve the issue, but unfortunately it was unsuccessful.
UPDATE:
I utilized the Windows registry to activate Cortana, however the only noticeable alteration was the appearance of a search icon. Unfortunately, this icon does not function when clicked.
In a subsequent update (UPDATE 2), I selected the “Show search box” option, but it did not provide a solution to the issue.
1 Answer
Introduction
The Start menu of Windows 10 is a crucial feature that makes it easy to access applications, settings, and files on a PC. One of the most useful functions of the Start menu is the search feature, which allows users to quickly find and launch applications, settings, and files by typing their names. However, some users have reported that the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. In this blog post, we will explore some of the possible reasons why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work and provide solutions to fix the issue.
Check the Windows Search Service
One of the common reasons why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work is due to issues with the Windows Search Service. The Windows Search Service is responsible for indexing files and content on a PC, which allows the search function to work efficiently. If the Windows Search Service is not running correctly, the search function may not work correctly.
To check the status of the Windows Search Service, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services console.
3. Scroll down to find the Windows Search service.
4. Check the status of the service. If it is not running, right-click on the service and select “Start.”
If the Windows Search Service is running correctly, but the search function is still not working, try restarting the service by right-clicking on the service and selecting “Restart.”
Check the Indexing Options
Another reason why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work is due to issues with the Indexing Options. The Indexing Options control what content is indexed by the Windows Search Service, which can affect the accuracy and speed of the search function. If the Indexing Options are not set up correctly, the search function may not work correctly.
To check the Indexing Options, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Select “Indexing Options.”
4. Check that the locations you want to index are included in the list.
5. Click on “Advanced” to access more options.
6. Check that the file types you want to index are included in the list.
If the Indexing Options are not set up correctly, click on “Modify” to make changes to the locations and file types that are indexed.
Check the Windows Registry
Another reason why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work is due to issues with the Windows Registry. The Windows Registry stores settings and configurations for the operating system and applications, which can affect the performance and functionality of the search function. If the Windows Registry is not set up correctly, the search function may not work correctly.
To check the Windows Registry, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSearch.”
4. Check that the “SearchboxTaskbarMode” value is set to “0.”
5. Check that the “CortanaConsent” value is set to “1.”
If the values are not set up correctly, right-click on the value and select “Modify” to make changes.
Check the Windows Updates
Another reason why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work is due to issues with the Windows Updates. The Windows Updates provide fixes and updates for the operating system, which can affect the performance and functionality of the search function. If the Windows Updates are not installed correctly, the search function may not work correctly.
To check the Windows Updates, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Select “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Check for updates.”
4. Install any available updates.
If the updates are not installed correctly, try restarting the PC and checking for updates again.
Check the Windows Settings
Another reason why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work is due to issues with the Windows Settings. The Windows Settings control various configurations and settings for the operating system, which can affect the performance and functionality of the search function. If the Windows Settings are not set up correctly, the search function may not work correctly.
To check the Windows Settings, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Select “Search.”
3. Check that the “Search online and include web results” toggle is turned on.
4. Check that the “Cortana can give you suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more” toggle is turned on.
5. Check that the “Show search box” toggle is turned on.
If the Windows Settings are not set up correctly, make changes to the settings to enable the search function.
Conclusion
The rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 is a useful feature that allows users to quickly find and launch applications, settings, and files on a PC. However, if the search function does not work correctly, it can be frustrating and time-consuming. In this blog post, we have explored some of the possible reasons why the rapid search function in the Start menu of Windows 10 does not work and provided solutions to fix the issue. By checking the Windows Search Service, Indexing Options, Windows Registry, Windows Updates, and Windows Settings, users can resolve issues with the search function and improve the performance and functionality of their PC.