Windows 10 Search Not Finding Installed Programs? Here's The Right Fix

If you can't find something in your Windows 10 Search box, there's a fix. But there is only one right fix.
Here's the most probable cause and how to fix search so you find exactly what you are searching for.
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[@gopicufu4384]

Excellent !!! It works like charm :) Other videos are not so good. This is the best :) :) Dankssss uuuu Mate :)

[@Oldguygeek]

You're welcome!

[@whomsky12]

GREATT!! THANK YOU THIS HELPED ME A LOT MAN I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS FIX FOR A WEEK :))

[@Oldguygeek]

Glad I could help

[@Oldguygeek]

By adding certain directories to the search index not only can you find all your programs, but you can improve results for many files.

[@fazrul.]

you are a life saver! i was about to reset my pc just because of this. I cant thank you enough! :}

[@Oldguygeek]

Glad I could help! Enjoy!

[@frankmbanefo6060]

Bro how can i make the program data folder visible

[@niko-iwnl-]

The search just doesn’t work with a specific exe i have. It shows up in the recently added list on the start menu, but nothing when I search it. Such a pain I hate this

[@Oldguygeek]

Which .exe? Find out where it is stored and see what folder it's stored in and check to see if that folder or other folders in that hieracrchy are in the search settings.

[@Trop1cal_duh]

I have this problem that i install apps of Microsoft store and google things i need such as steelseires engine and that but it seems ti put them in a folder and deas not let me search for it in the windows search thingy

[@Oldguygeek]

Try going through the video again. There is a part to make sure you are indexing the proper 'Start Menu' folder. It has to be the one under 'C:\Program Data/Microsoft/Windows/StartMenu

[@m77ast]

whats all this? - im just looking for a recently installed software - how many hoops do i have to jump through to find my software--- so frustrating

[@Oldguygeek]

You don't have to jump through any hoops. This video is over three years old. As long as you haven't disabled the Windows Search function it should find things just fine. What problems are you having? Did the recently installed program following the correct procedures with registering with the system? What's the name of it?

[@smimon4461]

@@Oldguygeek I just installed AMD's Adrenalin Chipset Software. I can see the application whilst inside the "Uninstall" section of Control Panel, but i cannot find the app anywhere. I've looked in the folders which the software installed during installation, but can only find a bunch of folder with files, and some applications with names resembling the software i tried to install. Which don't work. The app inside of control panel has the exact name, i just don't understand why i can't find it at all. Do you know how i can find it?

[@Oldguygeek]

@@smimon4461 Since it is a Desktop program and not a Windows app, you're looking in the right place. You only see Desktop programs there and Apps the setting app. As far as the files location, try the Program Files (x86)/AMD directory.

[@2apur]

What's annoying me is, I have NordVPN installed, and it launches at the start, works perfectly fine, but I cannot for the life of me find the executable file, and when I search it in the start bar, only the setup installation files pops up. I don't friggin' get it. And yes, I went through these steps, still doesn't work. This isn't the only program either.

[@Oldguygeek]

Is it listed in the main list of programs? If so, right-click on the program name, then More. You should see 'open file location'. That will open the Start Menu list of programs. Your file should be highlighted. Then right-click on the program. A dialogue box will open. In the 'Target' box you'll see the exact location listed. But to address the method in the video, the 'Start Menu' has to be the right one. It may list another 'Start Menu'. Check the video and it will tell you the correct one. It should be the same as the one you found using the method above.

[@learningvideochannel1965]

Ok so my problem is... It does show up folders, files etc. But when I install new third party apps or a app from microsoft store, it doesn't show up in the search results. However, it does show up in the start menu.

[@Oldguygeek]

HMMM. As I demonstrated, if you are pointing to the right Start Menu folder, it should find them. I may have to check again to see if there is a new problem. Are you on Windows 10 or 11?

[@payusavisit3482]

I'm facing same issue I'm on windows 11 I want to uninstall a program but I can't find it in settings or control panel where I can uninstall it

[@strongmen2097]

omg dude thank you soo muchhh

[@Oldguygeek]

You're welcome!

[@bbbbbb2958]

thank you sir 😁

[@Oldguygeek]

You're welcome. Glad it helped!

[@hasibulislam9555]

Great

[@Oldguygeek]

Glad it helped!