Thumbnail icon of apps not showing in windows 10 Start menu & search

Ditendra · 27 Nov 2021

I have this problem that some apps icons aren't showing in Windows 10 start search. This is the exact problem that this guy is talking in this video:

However I tried everything that he's explaining, but nothing worked. The only thing that worked is if I create new user in Windows 10, but I really don't want to do it because it will take a lot of time for me to customize everything in new user and delete the existing one. I want to fix this problem in a current user. Please, if you know any solution to this fix, I'll gladly try.

Device Specifications:
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-10400F CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
Installed RAM 32.0 GB
GPU: GTX 1070

Windows Specifications:
Edition Windows 10 Pro
Version 21H2
Installed on ‎2021-‎04-‎29
OS build 19044.1348
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3920.0

Paul Black · 27 Nov 2021

Hello @Ditendra,

Have you looked at this? > How to Clear and Reset the Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10

I hope this helps.

Ditendra · 27 Nov 2021

Paul Black said:

Hello @Ditendra,

Have you looked at this? > How to Clear and Reset the Thumbnail Cache in Windows 10

I hope this helps.

Hi, I just tried your solution, but it didn't help

dalchina · 27 Nov 2021

History: (almost never given by posters, alas)
When did this start?
What happened or what did you change since this worked ok?

Have you tried:
a. System Restore using an appropriately dated restore point?
b. Restoring a suitable disk image?

Since a new user is ok, you have a basis for comparison.

First with your existing user, do 2 things.
a. a clean boot
b. disable all 3rd party shell extensions using Shellexview (free). Do not disable MS extensions (there's an option to hide those.

This should get simplify your existing user.
Advise if you see the same problem.

This might be related - no harm in trying:
How to Clear Your Device Search History in Windows 10

Ditendra · 27 Nov 2021

dalchina said:

History: (almost never given by posters, alas)
When did this start?
What happened or what did you change since this worked ok?

Have you tried:
a. System Restore using an appropriately dated restore point?
b. Restoring a suitable disk image?

Since a new user is ok, you have a basis for comparison.

First with your existing user, do 2 things.
a. a clean boot
b. disable all 3rd party shell extensions using Shellexview (free). Do not disable MS extensions (there's an option to hide those.

This should get simplify your existing user.
Advise if you see the same problem.

This might be related - no harm in trying:
How to Clear Your Device Search History in Windows 10

Cleared history. Didn't help.
Don't remember, I just noticed it. Probably long time ago.
Don't remember.

No.
No, don't have.
Don't know what's 3rd party shell extensions. Probably don't have them?

dalchina · 28 Nov 2021

Thank you very much for your reply.

Do you know what a context menu is?
Have you noticed it grows when you install (3rd party) programs?
Those are examples of shell extensions - extensions- things added- to your shell - implemented by file explorer.

Don't know what's 3rd party shell extensions.

Didn't you think to use Google? Look - here's how:

- and note that mentions the program I mentioned.

Probably don't have them?

- if you haven't installed any programs, you won't.

Good luck,

Ditendra · 28 Nov 2021

Guys, after many attempts to fix this, I couldn't find any of them working, so the only solution that was left was to create new Windows user and delete the current one. It's a tiring process because you need to configure & customize Windows and apps by your choice again, but it's slighly better than reinstalling Windows.