I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 Enterprise. Cortana, search and file sharing were not accessible in this version. I bought a Windows 10 Pro license key and installed it, but still can't get any of these to work. I tried editing the registry. Nothing. Cortana doesn't even show in Settings. I don't want to reinstall as I have too many apps that would need to be re-installed. Can anybody please help?
hi TheOldMan and welcome to Ten Forums!
One of the things that could go wrong were Group policy settings (Enterpise edition - you've probably been using this in working, or academic environment)...
try to reset those settings to default:
Tutorials | Reset Local Group Policy Editor Settings to Default in Windows 10
Thanks for your response and your help.
I followed the steps and reset the group policy settings, but nothing changed. I tried rebooting, but still nothing. Cortana is showing in task manager, but there is an icon next to the name that says, "the UWP access group is suspending processes to improve system performance."
That sign is Ok. Means the process is (temporary) suspended. Click on Start and type Cortana... see if she responds
Lets check File sharing, and search...
What are the exact problems?
For search, do you mean that icon in Taskbar, or do you have problems with search in File Explorer. There are a lot of threads about search in latest build - many have problems.
You could download Indexer diagnostic from MS Store and check for problems with indexing (and search in Windows)
I have no search box or run box on the start menu. When I do WIN+R I do get a run box. When typing Cortana, I get an error message the it cannot be found. There is an icon for Cortana on the taskbar, but it doesn't do anything.
For search, there is an icon on the taskbar, but it also doesn't do anything. The search box in File Explorer is grayed out. The service is running, however. I have followed instructions to edit the registry, but it also did not work.
I have rebuilt the index, but to no avail.
As for installing the license, I did it through the settings/security/activation menu. It now says the Win 10 Pro is activated.
Again, thanks for your help. I really need to figure this out.
For Cortana try this
Tutorial How to Enable or Disable Cortana in Windows 10
For search box. click on Taskbar, and select search box
Last edited by AndreTen; 22 Mar 2020 at 16:54.
I had already done these steps, but did them again anyway and nothing has changed.
I hope you will be able to suggest something else.
Thanks.
Bob
Can you make a new User in Windows, and check if there are the same problems?
Was your old system (Windows 7) attached (managed) by system admin from any organization?
Again, thanks for your continuing help.
I made a new account with admin privileges. It had the full search box on the taskbar (not just the icon), but when you click in the box it disappears. Corttana does not open either.
My Win 7 was not attached in any way. Perhaps the copy of Win 10 Enterprise was. i don't know. Even if it was, shouldn't all the permissions reset when downgrading to win 10 pro?
Bob
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