windows start menu search


  1. Posts : 148
    windows 10 Pro x64
       #1

    windows start menu search


    i can't seem to see that windows finds simple "apps"\(programs)" like the blizzard app, twitch app etc...

    is there some setting that enables me to do this? so far i narrowed it down to the indexing of files. maybe that'll do something.

    every time i search for "twitch" you know from the curse app turned twitch app, all i get are folders starting with " tv "...
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,955
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hi, if I rephrase the problem (I don't 'know' anything about curses or witch apps I'm afraid): I think it's

    Using Cortana's search, certain programs I have installed aren't found, for example trying to find 'blizzard' or 'twitch' lists folders starting with 'tv'......

    1. If you examine the content of your start menu, is there a shortcut called Blizzard or Twitch?

    2. If you examine the content of
    %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
    and
    C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

    can you find these shortcuts there?

    If they are not present, they cannot be found...

    Can you confirm you can find other program shortcuts using search?
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 148
    windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    ah i think i started not to create start menu shortcuts for some reason. and i can find the programs in there i just can't search for them.

    it can just find the folders i think, but when i search for steam i only get a text document even though i got it installed.

    is there a way other than reinstalling programs to enable start menu shortcuts?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 42,955
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    Hi,
    1. You can't drag 'n drop shortcuts on to the Win 10 start menu.
    2. You can create the shortcuts in the folders above, then check they appear in the start menu.
    3. If you install Classic Shell start menu (free, excellent) then you can
    a. Create shortcuts and drag and drop them on to its start menu display (which can be configured to expand in columns, the easiest I find).
    b. Use it to check the start menu content if unsure what's really there. (Win 10's start menu can be very inaccurate when faced with a nested folder structure).

    To return to the Win 10 start menu you can simply close Classic Shell start menu and you can launch the Win 10 start menu with a hot key combination.

    Note: if creating shortcuts in the start menu for a program, then make sure that if you installed the program only for the current user, you put the shortcut in the appropriate folder only.
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  5. Posts : 41,460
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #5

    Are you attempting to find easier ways to search for files and folders?
    Are you attempting to create shortcuts to open applications?
    Both?
    Please clarify.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 42,955
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #6

    windows start menu search-untitled.png

    Notice the buttons at the top. The one selected searches indexed files and folders. The one to its left, apps.

    Perhaps a screenshot or two might illustrate what you're trying to do and seeing.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 148
    windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    trying to fiure out why i can't search for things i've installed but i think i know now cause i installed stuff without a "shortcut" during the install.
    cause when i search for like paint, it shows. but not steam since i dont had the "tick" for create shortcuts when installing it.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails windows start menu search-start-menu-2.png   windows start menu search-start-menu.png  
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 42,955
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #8

    Then you should be able to simply find the executable (for e.g. Steam), then create a shortcut (test it) then as said above either

    a. drag that into the Start Menu as expressed by Classic Shell
    or
    b. into the appropriate folder of the two above and check it appears in the Start Menu.

    Failing that reinstall/update the program in question.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 41,460
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #9

    Check this out to see if you like it. It's one of my favorite applications.
    The fastest way to search for anything is with software that will index every file on all of your drives (internal, external, usb etc).
    Then as you enter a character it will immediately display results.
    The more characters that you enter the narrower the results.
    There is no waiting like with file explorer searches.
    The search results are instantaneous.
    The software is free and available from downloads or directly from the publisher.
    Everything search or search everything.
    You can have it run on boot. If you use it frequently then the increase in boot time is ok. Alternatively if you use it infrequently then you can turn it off on boot and wait for it to index each time it is used.
    Once you find a file that you want to view you can right click on it and create a short cut.
    voidtools
    Everything - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com
      My Computer


 

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