Fixing App Icons Missing in Windows 10 Start Menu Search Results

Fixing Missing App Icons in Windows 10 Start Menu Search

In our experience troubleshooting Windows 10 issues, one common problem users report is missing or incorrect app icons displaying in the Start Menu search results. While the app icons display properly within the app list itself, the search results show generic icons or placeholders instead.

This quirky glitch can occur after major Windows Updates or system changes. Fortunately, we’ve discovered several effective methods to restore those missing icons. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top solutions to try, from quick fixes to more involved repairs.

Restart the StartMenuExperienceHost Process

The StartMenuExperienceHost.exe process controls the Windows Start menu, search, and Cortana interface. Simply restarting this process can rebuild the icon cache and repopulate missing icons.

Here’s how to restart StartMenuExperienceHost.exe:

Why are my app icons not working?

Store App icons are saved in an icon cache. The Icon Cache is a database file used to keep copies of every icon. Sometimes, Icon cache can be corrupted. That could be the reason why you’re having problems with the app icons. We suggest rebuilding the Icon cache to resolve the issue. Follow these steps: Close all the open programs.

Can Cortana be hidden from Windows 10?

Cortana is part of Windows 10 in the locales where Cortana is available. If you don’t want the digital assistant to be visible to you, you can hide Cortana from the taskbar. You can also manage your privacy settings following the steps below.

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click the Details tab.
3. Find StartMenuExperienceHost.exe, right click and select End Task.
4. Click File > Run New Task.
5. Typeexplorer.exeand press Enter.
6. Restart your PC.

After rebooting, your missing icons should be restored in Start Menu search.

Change Display Scaling

Another straightforward resolution is toggling your display scaling in Settings. This forces a refresh of the system’s icon cache. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings > System > Display > Scale & Layout.
2. Temporarily change the scaling to 125%.
3. Click Apply to save the setting change.
4. Immediately revert scaling back to 100% and Apply again.

Once the scaling modifications are applied, missing icons should return. Log out and back in if issues persist.

Restart Windows Explorer

You can also reboot the Windows Explorer process to rebuild icon resources:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click Details and locate explorer.exe.
3. Right click explorer.exe and select End Task.
4. Click File > Run new task.
5. Typeexplorer.exeand press Enter to restart Windows Explorer.

This should reload the icon cache and restore missing icons in the Start Menu search after a reboot.

Does Cortana show Microsoft Store app icons?

Cortana won’t show any Microsoft store app icons in Cortana, even when I re-download the apps. How do I get the icons to show up? This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread.

How do I get Cortana search if I don’t have the icon?

Press your Start Button and just type your search term, this should bring up Cortana Search even if you do not have the icon . . . Power to the Developer! Was this reply helpful? I need this so that i can fix a windows 10 crash/freeze error but I do not have the icon in question so i was wondering how i get it or how i open the menu.

What should I do if I’m not able to see the icons?

We also recommend that you try to sign out from the Windows Store app and sign back in. After signing back in, try to search the applications using Cortana and check if you will be able to see the icons of the applications. We’re looking forward to your response. Was this reply helpful?

Run SFC and DISM Scans

System File Checker (SFC) scans Windows system files for errors, while Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) checks the integrity of the OS image. Running these built-in utilities can detect and repair corrupt system resources associated with the missing icon issue.

To run SFC and DISM scans:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. Typesfc /scannowand press Enter. Wait for the scan to finish.
3. Next typeDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. Wait for this scan to complete.
4. Restart your computer when finished.

SFC and DISM scans can often resolve stubborn system problems by repairing corrupt files.

Reregister Start Menu Apps

Rebuilding the Start Menu app cache is another fix to try. The following PowerShell command reregisters all apps:

1. Launch an elevated PowerShell window.

2. Paste and run:

   Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Wait for the command to finish, then restart.

   How do I Turn Off desktop icons in Windows 10?

   There is an option in Windows 10 that allows you to turn off the desktop icons. This is a fantastic way to clean up your desktop and go for a minimal look, but if you do this unexpectedly it may be troubling for you. To check if the icons are disabled, follow these steps: Go to your desktop, and right click on any empty space.

   How to fix app icons not showing in taskbar?

   We are doing this to take care of corrupt icon files responsible for app icons not showing in Taskbar. Step 1: Search for and open the Command Prompt from the Start menu with admin rights (click on Run as administrator). Step 2: You should type in the below commands one at a time and hit enter. We recommend you follow the order.

   How to fix Windows 10 desktop icons missing?

   Tablet mode changes how the icons and other elements appear on your system, and it’s worth toggling it to see if it helps fix the Windows 10 desktop icons missing issue on your computer. Launch the Settings app using Cortana search on your machine. Click on System when the app launches. Select Tablet mode from the left sidebar on your screen.

This will repopulate the Start Menu app list and associated icons.

Reset Windows

If you still can’t resolve the missing app icons after trying the above solutions, performing a full OS reset may be required.

This will reinstall Windows 10 while preserving your personal files and settings. To initiate a reset:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
3. Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything.
4. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the reset process.

Resetting Windows will deploy a fresh system image, potentially fixing the stubborn icon problem once and for all.

We hope one of these methods helps reinstate your missing Start Menu icons. Don’t hesitate to contact us if further assistance is needed in getting your icons back!

More Windows Troubleshooting Tips

• How to Fix Cortana Search Not Working in Windows 10
• Top Fixes for Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working
• Resolving Windows 10 Search Index Issues

References

1. https://superuser.com/questions/1247025/icons-not-showing-in-windows-10-search
2. https://iboysoft.com/news/start-menu-icons-missing-windows-10.html

What to do if desktop icons are missing windows 10/11?

Here are what you can do if the desktop icons are missing windows 10/11. Once you found all your desktop icon disappear, the first thing you should do it to check if the Show desktop icons is on. Just right-click on the desktop, then go to view and see if the Show desktop icons is on. If not, just reopen it.

How do I fix a problem with the start menu or Cortana?

The following are some things you can try if you’re having problems with the Start menu or Cortana. First, check for updates: Press Windows logo key + R, type ms-settings:, and then select OK. This opens Settings. In Settings, choose Update & security > WindowsUpdate, and then select Check for updates.

What apps are not showing icons?

For Clarification, the apps not showing their icons are: Armoury Crate, Mail (Stock Microsoft app), Spotify, Xbox, Groove Music, Minecraft Launcher, and Settings. You must log in to answer this question. . For some reason, this past week, the icons on my taskbar are not showing as expected.