Windows Search Not Opening Removed Start Menu Programs

mrc00l88 · 09 Mar 2021

dalchina said:

Well, I've demonstrated I don't see the same thing on mine.

Search is not involved when you're using the shortcut.

Consider too that (by default) the folder containing Powershell.exe is not indexed.
The shortcut points here:
%SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe

Put that in e.g. file explorer's address bar and Powershell should launch.

You say that having moved e.g. the Powershell folder, the shortcuts therein work normally.

What happens if you click Open file location in Search in both the case where the shortcut folder is in the Start Menu as normal, and when it has been moved?

Odd. Appreciate your help in trying to resolve.

Shortcut folder in Start Menu - 'Open file location' in Search opens to the shortcut folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows Power Shell

Shortcut folder moved to Desktop - 'Open file location' in Search option does not exist, can't right click, can't open, cant run as administrator

So it would appear the Search is only looking for the Shortcuts in the Start Menu for some reason.. and not pulling the EXE's from their actual folder? But why :)

Would you mind taking a screenshot of your search settings?

dalchina · 10 Mar 2021

Shortcut folder moved to Desktop - 'Open file location' in Search option does not exist, can't right click, can't open, cant run as administrator

Good- inasmuch as that's the first clear indication (I think- could have missed sthg).

So it would appear the Search is only looking for the Shortcuts in the Start Menu for some reason.. and not pulling the EXE's from their actual folder? But why :)

No, it isn't intended to do that, unless you specifically configure it to do so. The folders where those reside are excluded by default. And you should have no reason to include them.

Windows Search Not Opening Removed Start Menu Programs-1.png

The dummy.exe test will show clearly whether the chosen location is being indexed.
There's one more test you could try, I suppose. The shortcuts are .lnk files.

That must already be so on yours as the start menu is indexed. However, try creating dummy.lnk in your target folder and check that is indexed. Can't see why it shouldn't be.

Further, perform a check on the count in Indexing options when moving a shortcut folder from the start menu.
a. Note the indexed count.
b. Cut the folder and note the indexed count drop (you may have to wait a little).
c. Now paste the folder into the target folder. What happens to the indexed count?

Edwin · 10 Mar 2021

What you should have done:
- Make copies of the desired Start Menu folders, put them in some location, index that location, hide, (not delete or remove!), the originals.

Windows Search Not Opening Removed Start Menu Programs-000639.png

dalchina · 10 Mar 2021

Could you explain why? I certainly didn't need to.. or do you mean for security as a matter of good practice? Thanks.

mrc00l88 · 10 Mar 2021

First of all, thank you guys for the assistance. Here's what I've gathered thus far:

Windows Search Not Opening Removed Start Menu Programs-untitled.png

Using your screenshot, the 'run command' powershell in the Search referencing the attached picture (first instance of powershell [lowercase]) does open. However the 'run command' link doesn't pop up for all the applications.

My bet is that with the Power Shell folder moved/hidden from Start Menu folder, that you too in fact cannot open the Power Shell app shortcut my arrows indicate in your screenshot -- Windows PowerShell or Windows PowerShell (x86).

The Search indexing doesn't change anything. I actually tried adding entire C drive, and then removed all indexing (so there wouldn't be any 'saved' results).

If I hide the Start Menu folders, it breaks the 'shortcut' links in Search.

If I copy/move the Start Menu folders anywhere aside from the Start Menu, it breaks the 'shortcut' links in Search.

What I've done for a temp 'fix' is just create a single Start Menu folder call it 'Windows Utilities' and put all the app shortcuts within in. The 'shortcuts' are again searchable, and everything opens.