So, just type then? I use Cortana to set reminders occasionally, but I can't remember the last time I used the voice interface. My PC at home doesn't even have a microphone.
Oh yeah, I do. The problem is that Cortana has supplanted basic search functionality. As far as I can tell, when you type a search in the Start menu you're still going through Cortana, technically (that's why she's always running even when she's turned off from listening to you). Cortana has access to a limited subset of your computer. She can't search things outside your C:\Users\[your username] directory. Regular Windows Search doesn't have that limitation, but to get to regular search you have to explicitly go looking for it now.
So while I used to be able to search for a folder on my D:\ drive by hitting start and typing its name, now I have to either go to the actual Windows Search, or navigate to the folder manually. Even if that folder is indexed in Windows Search, and I have full permissions on it.
I'm not affiliated, but it's a shameless plug anyway because I'm huge fan of it since its Amiga days: Get Directory Opus, that is, download the free trial of the pro version and explore the settings and help files some, and of course, use the search function, too... let's see if you can do without it afterwards :) I for one cannot STAND using windows without Directory Opus after having used it with, it's one of the precious few applications which have been pretty much perfect for a long time, yet keep getting better. Sorry not sorry for rambling, I love this thing.
You're upset that search got rebranded to Cortana? It can definitely search your entire PC. I just typed the name of a script I have sitting on my D: drive and pressed enter and it opened it.
It can't. I have a Super User post [1] that describes the problem in detail. Windows Search and Cortana appear to be two separate things. If what I describe in my post is working on your computer, we should talk... I need to find a solution to this issue and Microsoft Support couldn't help.
Can you tell me - do you have Cortana's voice stuff enabled? Do you have her "learning" about you enabled in settings? Did you upgrade to W10 or do a fresh install?
I'm running the Anniversary Update. Maybe things got better. It also sounds like you might need to rebuild your search index and make sure all the folders you want to be searchable are indexed.
Yeah... I did that, and sfc /scannow, which was also recommended. All the necessary directories are fully indexed. If the Anniversary Update fixes it I'll be a happy camper.
I'm not affiliated with it but Agent Ransack just does search the old fashioned way, but fast. Sear inside files works properly too, without waiting for some sort of index that may, or may not be complete.
I use the command WIN + q which launches the Windows "Search the web and Windows" menu/dialog which I can type a local file name or installed application and quickly open items.
If I type a filename into that little search bar, it shows a few results. If I click the "My Stuff" button at the bottom, it shows me a different list. Neither list is complete. I have to open an explorer window to get a useful search bar.
