Task

Fix an issue causing Windows Search to malfunction – e.g. SearchApp.exe crashing

Description

When typing into the Windows Search – e.g. press Windows Key then start typing, a window would open then close or it would search for one result but close on the next search.

Quick guide

Remove cortana, uninstall, remove with powershell and delete from Registry.
Create website, create/enable config, enable port
regedit – “search” backup, delete

Part 0 – Info

Error identified in Event Viewer

Alternative: Use PowerToys Run instead of Windows Search – Shortcut = Alt+Space

Part 1 – Registry Edit

1. Run “Registry Editor” – Windows Key + R, type “regedit”
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search 
3. Make a backup of the whole registry and another of this specific folder.
4. Delete the “Search” folder entry.
5. Restart your PC and see if Windows Search is still crashing.

Part 2 – (Optional) Remove Cortana

Settings

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps
2. Task Manager > Startup > Cortana > Disable

PowerShell Command

• Run “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” – Windows key + X, A

# Command 1
WinGet uninstall "cortana"

# Command 2
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage

Registry

Registry Editor – Navigate to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
Delete “BingSearchEnabled” then restart

Other possible solutions

1. Fonts

Fonts folder

1. Go to: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Fonts
2. Go to folder Properties – Security – Edit – Add – Advanced – Find Now – ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES
3. Give  “Read & execute” permissions

2. PowerShell Command Search

• Run “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” – Windows key + X, A

# Command 1
`Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}`
WinGet uninstall "cortana"

3. Rename Folder

Rename folder – Microsoft.Windows.Search_cs41h5txwa

4. Re-uninstall

1. Install Cortana (Microsoft Store)
2. Uninstall