Partition Recovery™
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
Last updated: Sep 06, 2021

Can't Type in Windows Search? Fix it Now!

In this article you will find out:

  • how to deal with this issue
  • how to protect your data

Are you ready? Let's read!

About This Issue

Windows 10, like other versions of the operating system, has a quick search option. This makes it easier to find the files and applications you need installed on your computer. The search bar can be accessed simply by pressing the Windows key.

However, in certain cases, the Windows 10 search box may not work. Users note that they simply cannot enter any text in the search box.

You can fix a broken Windows 10 search bar using the methods provided in this article


1. Try System Commands

You can use PowerShell commands to get rid of the Can't Type in Windows Search Box problem.

To do this, right-click Start and select the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.

Next, enter the following command:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$ _. InstallLocation -like "* SystemApps *"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$ ($ _. InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter.

Then just close the PowerShell window and try again to find any keyword in the search bar.

There is another command that could help fix the problem you are experiencing: If the problem persists, try the following PowerShell command.

Move your cursor over the taskbar and right-click. Next, select Task Manager, click File and select Run New Task.

Select the Create this Task with Administrator Rights checkbox in the Run box. Next enter PowerShell and click OK.

In the next window, enter the following command:

$ manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore) .InstallLocation + 'AppxManifest.xml'; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $ manifest and press Enter.

Now also close the PowerShell window and check if the Cannot Type in Cortana problem is gone.

2. Use ctfmon.exe

You can run an alternative custom input file.

To do this, right-click on Start and select the File Explorer application. In Explorer go to C: Windows System32,find ctfmon.exe inside the directory.

Right-click the file and choose Open.

3. Restart Processes in Task Manager

If Windows 10 is still unable to enter text in the search box, restart the Cortana process.

So, right-click on the taskbar and open the Task Manager application. Go to the Process tab and find the line Cortana. Select it and click the Complete task button. Now you need to restart the Cortana process and check if it works.

You can also restart File Explorer. To do this, open the Task Manager on the taskbar and open the Process tab. Next, find Windows Explorer, select it and click Restart. Now check if the Can't Type in Search Bar Windows 10 error remains.

In order to protect your data, you will need DiskInternals Partition Recovery

So, in order to protect your data, you will need good software, which there is a lot on the Internet. BUT do not start your searching right away as the best software is located right here - DiskInternals Partition Recovery.

It's incredible, but completely free. You can not only recover your data, but also create a disk image if necessary. This application will recover files of all formats without limitation. You can try the free, fully functional trial version of DiskInternals Partition Recovery right now. You will see that even beginners can use this product (the Recovery Wizard will help you with this).

Exporting files is optional, but you can do it anytime by purchasing a license online. Be sure to use this option to get unlimited access to the recovered files. Besides, technical assistance from the best specialists of the company will be a great bonus. This function will be available for a year after the purchase of the license.

DiskInternals Partition Recovery application manual:

Step 1. Download and open DiskInternals Partition Recovery on your computer (you can use the free or paid version).

Step 2. In a new window of the application, you will see all the storage devices that are present on your computer. Select the drive containing your lost or deleted files and click Next.

Step 3. Scan. Select the scanning method: read, fast or full (recommended) and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4. Preview and recover lost files. Right-click the file and select View in New Window or press Ctrl + P; after viewing the files, you can recover them automatically.

Step 5. Saving all or selected data, as mentioned above, can be done after purchasing a license online.

Related articles

FREE DOWNLOADVer 8.16, WinBUY NOWFrom $39.95 139.95

Please rate this article.
51 reviews