Fix Windows 10 Search to find your missing installed apps (NO LONGER WORKS SINCE UPDATE 1607)

Update 4th August 2016: I'm sorry to report that since Microsoft pushed out major update 1607, this alternate "Search Everywhere" tool has now been removed and disabled by Microsoft. My workaround instructions in this video no longer work, unfortunately. Thanks to you all for your support for what was a workaround to Microsoft's STILL BROKEN Windows 10 search.
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Original description:
Use my tips in the video to find your missing installed applications and shortcuts in Windows 10 using a hidden and more powerful search tool alternative already built into Windows 10! As I discovered this hidden workaround myself, I created this video to share it with you in the hope that it helps you too....at least until Microsoft fixes the Windows 10 Search bugs.
Basically, the alternate Search method involves restoring the hidden Windows 8 Search Panel within Windows 10. This alternative Search Panel seems to be more powerful and far less buggy than the default Windows 10 Search.
You can also use this alternate Windows 10 Search method to find your EXE files that are placed onto the Desktop. If you'd prefer to follow a written guide for all this, you can find my forum entries on August 22-23, 2015 here (bit.ly/1XkqmKJ)
** For those who can't find your C:\ProgramData folder, go into File Explorer and click the View menu, then tick "Hidden Items". The ProgramData folder will then appear.
Some Background info:
I've found the Windows 10 Search to be flawed and basically broken. After installing numerous 32-bit applications, on occasion Windows 10 fails to install the shortcut icon in the Start "All Apps" list for the correctly installed software. While missing icons post-installation is a problem in itself, missing icons also cause the Windows 10 Search to not be able to find those icons/files either. People are discussing this Windows 10 Search bug online in various forums, without a fix to date. So I've found and shared this workaround in the hope that it supplies some sanity if you are finding that Windows 10 is missing icons for your installed applications.

[@joep5337]

You are unusually clear in your instructions. I truly appreciate it and look forward to more videos from you. What did the people who tapped thumbs down not like? I mean what's not to like? Well, far more people like it and you deserve the thumbs up.

[@petersimon3066]

Thanks for this vid, you are easy to understand and with good detail.Hope you produce some more in the windows range.

[@IlluminatedGame]

Just by clicking the "Search" file it started to find all my programs again. You da real MVP man

[@montialmatani7306]

can u help me all my windows apps are gone and the search doesnt work and all the taskbar tools not working help me

[@sickofgovwaste]

I just installed Windows 10 (upgrade from Win7) & missing the superior search function in 7 (especially hitting "Enter" after search starts, which brought up another file explorer window with the search results). I've done everything EXACTLY as you described, and event though the superior search button appears, it yields no results for very common words, so it's not appearing to work?? This was occurring even prior to making the "permanent taskbar link...

[@InevitableMayo]

This is brilliant. My issue was that when I typed into the box or asked Cortana to find something she would just sit there thinking about it or the blue dots just scroll across the top of the search window endlessly. I think partly it's because of my poor internet connection but I just followed this vid and the windows 8 search works brilliantly. Thanks for the help.

[@aallan8830]

Outstandingly Helpful.

[@jeand3391]

So useful, perfectly clear and simple, just brillant, thank you !

[@adamcollins9502]

Excellent video. Very clear instructions.

[@LostPlanetYoutube]

the problem i am having is programs disappear out of nowhere. usually these programs are ones like bitcomet, almost seems kind of obvious sometimes. so i reinstall it, it stays for at least a day so far. other programs have disappeared in the past in windows 10. i dont know why. so lame.

[@ravigandhi1698]

Sir after restarting I lost all my apps and it's showing the apps in deleted/removed list on the display even my anti virus software is also deleted how can I extract them

[@vk-chinni]

Search icon is not showing in the path that you have mentioned.

[@Veroxblast]

i cant find the search shortcut in my C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

[@mateolosha4030]

I have a program that it shows on apps and its 4 gigs but when i press to uninstall it ays error wrong location and says try another location.. But ove searched it and cant find it anywhere ,,,,Please help.... :(

[@shazzmuzik62]

Thank you so very much awesome tutorial!!!! Though, I cannot find "restart" in Task Manager > Apps > Windows Explorer

[@TheAzamahmed]

I wanted to get rid of cortana and i did uninstall it and thereon my windows search was not working at all (no click response). I was thinking to reinstall the OS but thanks to you! You saved me...many thanks

[@zekedms]

Thanks for providing the written version!

[@rjumer1486]

I has install some game in local disk but after sometime when I see there is only game but other i don't know where other games go plzzzzzz tell me what i do

[@Beautymovesindia]

why dont u try prevent web serch in existing search setting.?

[@aksshaysharma96]

can't locate start menu on my win 10. no start in the folder.