Pressing Windows Key and then typing search has stopped working

I'm sure it's not my imagination. I use to be able to press the Windows Key, the Start Menu would pop up and then I could simply start typing the name of whatever program I wanted to launch. Since the last update (15063.608), that doesn't work. It appears that the "Type here to search" box use to be the initial "focus" but isn't anymore. If I hit the Windows Key three times in sequence, then I get what I want, but that seems a bit silly.

Is there a configuration option for this? I imagine it's something to do with Cortana.

eelpout said:

I'm sure it's not my imagination. I use to be able to press the Windows Key, the Start Menu would pop up and then I could simply start typing the name of whatever program I wanted to launch. Since the last update (15063.608), that doesn't work. It appears that the "Type here to search" box use to be the initial "focus" but isn't anymore. If I hit the Windows Key three times in sequence, then I get what I want, but that seems a bit silly.

Is there a configuration option for this? I imagine it's something to do with Cortana.

Hi there. Just to see if this search option works > WinKey/S combo > Type in the name of an app you have. Does it give the correct result?

HippsieGypsie said:

Hi there. Just to see if this search option works > WinKey/S combo > Type in the name of an app you have. Does it give the correct result?

yes, it does (thanks for that tip!).

AndreTen said:

Do you have search box turned on in Taskbar? Turn it off and on again (change something...) and restart computer.
Or, if you're using Cortana, change her settings (in Taskbar)

It's total non scientific approach, but it worked for me

yeah, I've tried that, doesn't change things. this still works the way it use to on some of my other PC's so I'm not sure what I did. This is on an HP x360 Spectre, maybe there is some other Toolbar extension (i.e. like BatteryBar) that has messed things up.

I'll start using the Windows Key/S combo from now on that HippsieGypsie suggested as it does what I want. :)

eelpout said:

yes, it does (thanks for that tip!).

You're welcome, but was just testing that part. It should work in your Start as well. You say after hitting the WinKey 3 times, then it works? If so, that's strange.

How about Andre's questions? Have Bing search on your Taskbar?

eelpout said:

yeah, I've tried that, doesn't change things. this still works the way it use to on some of my other PC's so I'm not sure what I did. This is on an HP x360 Spectre, maybe there is some other Toolbar extension (i.e. like BatteryBar) that has messed things up.

I'll start using the Windows Key/S combo from now on that HippsieGypsie suggested as it does what I want. :)

Do you have other search bars then? Battery bar does not qualify as that. It's a utility.

HippsieGypsie said:

You're welcome, but was just testing that part. It should work in your Start as well. You say after hitting the WinKey 3 times, then it works? If so, that's strange.[/DEL]

yep, the WinKey 3 times brings the focus to the Search Box. there appears to be nothing in focus the first WinKey press but the Start Menu does come up, second time hides the Start Menu and third time brings up the Start Menu with the Search Box focused. odd.

eelpout said:

yep, the WinKey 3 times brings the focus to the Search Box. there appears to be nothing in focus the first click with the Start Menu up, second time hides the Start Menu and third time brings up the Start Menu with the Search Box focused. odd.

Ok, so actually the second time Start is opened then the search works. Sometimes when I tap the WinKey it won't take the first letter I type. Too quick on the draw. If I wait just a second, then it does. Try waiting just a second or two.

HippsieGypsie said:

Do you have other search bars then? Battery bar does not qualify as that. It's a utility.

nope, no Bing or Yahoo bar of anything like that.