Windows 10 has received a new optional update and it comes with some much-needed fixes to fix issues that some users have been experiencing with the search feature in the operating system.
Windows Latest noted that in the latest preview update just released for Windows 10 (KB5036979), some work has been done to improve search functionality.
Microsoft tells us that: “This update makes some changes to Windows Search. It’s now more reliable and it’s easier to find an app after you install it. This update also gives you a personalized app search experience.”
As Windows Latest describes, search has become a somewhat hit-or-miss affair for some Windows 10 users, especially when it comes to launching an app quickly. Such as searching for the ‘Trash’ and not getting the icon back, but other functions.
There have also been a number of posts on social media about shaky search experiences, such as this one on Reddit where Windows 10 refused to find a commonly used app.
In more extreme cases, search freezes and crashes, which is the height of irritation for this part of the user interface.
Analysis: Wait a minute
Hopefully this kind of behavior will be a thing of the past when this update is applied. However, keep in mind that this is only an optional update at this time, so it is still officially being tested. This means that there is a small chance that the solution will not work completely. Or that the KB5036979 update could cause unwanted side effects elsewhere in Windows 10 (it certainly wouldn’t be the first time).
The safest bet is to wait, let early adopters test this preview update, and install the completed cumulative update when it arrives in May (on Patch Tuesday, which will be May 14).
At least we know this bit of easing is coming now, so those frustrated by dubious search results now know that – with any luck – their misery should be over soon. Or at least they will have to deal with keys less regularly during the search activities.
Elsewhere with this update, Microsoft has also improved the reliability of lock screen widgets, with a more “custom experience” and more visual elements available, so these should be better overall too.
The disadvantage of KB5036979? That’s a new initiative to introduce notifications about your Microsoft account in the Start menu and Settings app, which will no doubt consist of several prompts to sign up for an account, or complete that process.