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How do I start search within an app using a keyboard shortcut?

Anonymous
2013-11-04T09:39:09+00:00

In Windows 8 the search facility was consistent, discoverable and incredibly easy to use. You knew that to search you press search in the charm bar. In Windows 8.1 the search charm is confusing since it isn't context sensitive any more, it is always a start menu search, and it is difficult to quickly switch context for the search between for example start menu and Store. 

Now that each app must provide its own search user interface in an inconsistent manner how do I start a search using a keyboard shortcut? The documentation says that Win+Q opens search within an app, but it doesn't work with any app I've tried including built-in app likes Store. Some apps start search if you begin to type but there's no visual cue that indicates this.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Search, touch, and mouse

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T04:39:20+00:00

    Hi,

    Pressing “Windows key + Q” opens the Search charm to search everywhere or within an open app (if the app supports app search). Windows Store on Windows 8.1 has its own search function there is no need to use shortcut key.

    I would suggest you to use Music app to search using Windows key + Q and check if it works. You may also refer this Microsoft article:

    How to search

    **http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/search-apps-files-settings**

    Hope this helps. If you need further assistance with Windows, let us know and will be glad to help.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-18T16:25:52+00:00

    By that logic all keyboard shortcuts in windows should be removed since the functionality is reachable using other means.

    Win+Q is the same as Win+S or if you start typing while at the start menu in WIndows 8.1. It doesn't matter if the app supports search since that feature was removed in 8.1 which is why each app must provide its own search feature leading to inconsistence and a bad user experience.

    Apps that support the Windows 8 search contract should continue to work. In addition, newer apps may now display the search control within their own canvas. These apps will not be searchable via the search pane. Hence, Win+Q will not work for in-app search for these apps, but should still work for apps that implement the Windows 8 search contract.

    As an example, some apps that support the Windows 8 search contract and for which Win+Q works include Netflix, Comics, Dictionary.com and News Bento. Wikipedia and Windows Store, on the other hand, now have an on-canvas search box so Win+Q will bring up the search pane but you won't be able to use it to search within those apps.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-05T06:20:43+00:00

    By that logic all keyboard shortcuts in windows should be removed since the functionality is reachable using other means.

    Win+Q is the same as Win+S or if you start typing while at the start menu in WIndows 8.1. It doesn't matter if the app supports search since that feature was removed in 8.1 which is why each app must provide its own search feature leading to inconsistence and a bad user experience.

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