Can’t Type in Windows 10 Search Bar? Here Are the Fixes

Many times, after installing a Windows 10 OS update, users are unable to type in the search bar. They are unable to click on the search box, and thus they cannot type. This issue occurs in both the search bars of Cortana and File Explorer. If you want to fix this issue, then follow the troubleshooting tips given below. 

Run ctfmon.exe

You should follow the guidelines given below:

1. Hold the Windows and R buttons simultaneously to invoke the Run box.

2. Now, insert ‘C:\Windows\system32\ctfmon.exe’ then press the Enter button.

3. Allow the process to run. 

Reinstalling All Default Applications

You should follow the guidelines given below:

1. Tap the Windows and R buttons to invoke the Run box.

2. Then input ‘cmd’ into it and hit the ‘Shift + Ctrl + Enter’ keys to allow administrative privileges.

3. After that, insert ‘PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted’ and press the Enter button.

4. Check the option of  ‘PowerShell –ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted.’

5. Now, input the following command and then hit the Enter key: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

End Task Task

You should follow the guidelines given below:

1. Hold the ‘Shift + Ctrl + Esc’ buttons altogether to launch the Task Manager.

2. Then you should find the service of Cortana by browsing the list of Processes. In case you cannot locate the Cortana in this list, then click on the tab of Services.

3. You should find and select Cortana. Right-click on it.

4. Now, click on the End Task.

Importing MsCtfMonitor.xml from Different Windows 10

You should follow the guidelines given below:

1. Firstly, sign-in to a different Windows 10 system.

2. Thereafter, hold the Windows and R buttons simultaneously to invoke the Run box.

3. Later, input ‘taskschd.msc’ in it and select the OK button.

4. Go to the ‘Task Scheduler Library’ and double-click on it through the left panel.

5. Select the Microsoft option and double-click on it.

6. Reach the left panel and choose the Windows option then double-click on it.

7. Navigate to the ‘TextServicesFramework’ option from the left panel.

8. Reach the ‘MsCtfMonitor’ option, and right-click on it, then choose the ‘Export’ option.

9. You should choose a location and then hit the Save button.

10. Select the exported file and copy it to a USB, then paste it to a doubtful system.

11. Then redo the instructions from 1 to 7.

12. You have to reach the blank area, and right-click on it, then choose the Import option.

13. Later, select the location where you saved the file of ‘MsCrfMonitor.xml.’

14. Now, select the file, then right-click on it and choose the Run option.

Hopefully, by following the steps mentioned above, you will be able to use the Windows 10 search bar effortlessly. 

Ryan Smith is a Microsoft Office expert and has been working in the technical industry since 2002. As a technical expert, Davis has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as office.com/setup.

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