OK everyone, this has just fixed the issue for me, after combining a few of your previous suggestions.

1. Stop and disable the Windows Search service
2. Change the Windows Search registry key...

Cortana is not available in Australia yet so the on/off toggle is greyed out and the process does not appear to be running in Task Manager. However, when re-registering apps I get the error for...

I found the following on WMPNetworkSvc and that is for Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service which is also a service featured in services.msc
...

I do not have an answer for you except for I have the same two accounts.

I have the S-#-#-.... on my Music folder, and I have the WMPN... on my Music, Video and Pictures folder(s).

They do not...

Found this tutorial on this very website about turning it on/off. Hope it helps.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4189-fast-startup-turn-off-windows-10-a.html

Tried that just now, not the same issue and as such the troubleshooter doesn't fix it!

Today I noticed some updates were installed overnight. I no longer get the "we're getting search ready" message, however I still do not get any of the settings in my search results.

We shouldn't have to go creating accounts to fix it. I for one do not have a MS account and refuse to join their ecosystem except for running their OS.

Add me to the list of affected users. I have upgraded 3 laptops and only have the issue on one of them. Tried all the above without success so far. Hopefully there'll be a windows update that...