Can't use the windows search or a whole bunch of other stuff.

Eric 20 Reputation points
2025-06-24T16:53:32.7233333+00:00

So here is the issue as I experience it. Currently:

On typing text into the windows search, it doesn't even allow it for a second (or if it does, it deletes it faster than I can see).

It seems inconsistent if I can select different programs to open in the windows start menu (somethings like cortana, or adobe seem to open just fine, but other things like edge don't)

While the start menu is open, if I begin typing anything it automatically closes.

If I try to select anything that prompts a window, it automatically closes it (e.g. trying to press power off from the start menu just results in it closing. Another example, on trying to uninstall a program from add/remove programs, when I select uninstall, the uninstall window appears only a split second before closing).

Searching in either edge or windows explorer works just fine

Now here's what I've tried

  • Clean reboot of the system was the first thing I did (no change).
  • Tried deleting the registry keys for search (since most other similar issues I found online indicate it was a search issue).
  • Running ctfmon.exe and putting that in the startup location.
  • Restarting the search process in the task manager did not help.
  • I have run the search and indexing troubleshooter several times, and it did not help.
  • I have reset windows search (and cortana), and it did not help.
  • Using admin powershell to re-register every ms app (this threw up a bunch of errors when I used it, mostly due to things being 'in usage').
  • I have deleted Microsoft.Windows.Search package in the AppData folder and no improvement.
  • I have Restarted Windows Font Cache Service with no improvement.
  • There are no pending windows updates.
  • It persists across different users on the computer, even newly created ones.
  • Ran system file checker and did not help.

Any advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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Answer accepted by question author
Henry Mai 8,225 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-06-26T01:39:06.23+00:00

Hello, I am Henry and I want to share my insight about this issue.

Based on the symptoms you described, it seems like the system is acting as if the Escape (Esc) key is being continuously pressed. Since the issue persists across different user accounts, this suggests a system-wide cause—likely a connected hardware device or a low-level driver. I recommend unplugging all external devices from your computer, leaving only your primary keyboard and mouse connected. This includes:

  • Game controllers (Xbox, PlayStation, joysticks, etc.)
  • Drawing tablets
  • Webcams
  • USB hubs
  • External drives

After unplugging them, restart your computer and test the search bar. If the problem is gone, plug the devices back in one at a time (restarting after each) until the issue returns. The last device you connected is the cause.

If the problem continues with only your keyboard and mouse plugged in, one of them could be faulty. If possible, test a different keyboard first, as a stuck Esc key is a likely suspect.

Hope this points you in the right direction for troubleshooting.

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