My fix:
Use TeamViewer from another computer to login to the machine with "dead" keyboard. Install Logitech SetPoint which itself I don't think has anything to do with drivers but for whatever...

I'm in the same boat; no solution yet.

Okay I bit the bullet and did a clean install of Windows 10 from media. Everything works as intended now.
Even .pdf files on different (other than c:\) drives are immediately found.

Hmm, here's another potential clue. Just got this pop-up last night. (But when I went to check the Service it appeared to be running.)
46651

64-bit upgrade from Windows 7.

A clue as to what's happening. Old shortcuts sticking around while new shortcuts not showing up for updated programs is NEW info.

1. Knowing the directories and having to manually put things in...

Another clue: I recently downloaded and updated an old program that gave a new icon. The new one shows up in the following directory along with the old one. The OLD (now invalid) one still shows up...

Another clue: I recently downloaded and updated an old program that gave a new icon. The new one shows up in the following directory along with the old one. The OLD (now invalid) one still shows up...

Another update: Days later now "Movie Maker" shows up in "All apps" as well as comes up in Win10 search as well as shows up in "Recently added".

"Photo Gallery" still does not even though it was...

Oops that doesn't work, since the shortcut seems to go away between sessions.
I've added an AutoHotkey to launch it instead.

Ah right. I do see in that directory a shortcut called "Search" that pops open a rt-hand-side search that DOES work. I'm assuming that's the "old" Windows 8 search you're talking about. Cool, I'll...

Another workaround is to put a shortcut of C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs into the Quick Access sidebar or Windows Explorer and just use that to launch stuff.

It's a shame we...

Just wanted to update this thread in case it's helpful:
I'm upgraded in place from Windows 7 (not a fresh install)

I DO see the shortcuts created in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start...