Search function on the start menu is bugged, and windows explorer keeps freezing

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

First of all, I suggest you use the system file checker to repair possible corrupted or missing system files.

1. Press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" to open Task Manager;
2. Select "Run new task";
3. In the "Open" field, type cmd, check "Create this task with administrative privileges", and click Ok;
4. Run the following commands at the Command Prompt one at a time:

dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
sfc /scannow

Note: Pay close attention to the results of the commands. This will help you determine whether the procedure was completed successfully or if there was a problem. If you get any errors, let me know the error message that was displayed.

5. Restart the PC and see if the problem is resolved.

If the problem persists, perform a clean boot to see if any third-party program in the background is causing this problem. Follow the instructions carefully.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd#ID0EBBD=Windows_11

If the problem does not occur after a clean boot. In this same article, there is a technique to help you identify which program is causing this in "How to determine what is causing the problem after you do a clean boot".

If you can identify the program that is causing this, uninstall it.

After finding the cause or if it does not help, return to normal boot as instructed in "Reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting".

If the problem persists, please let me know.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline.

I suspect there's more severe corruption than I imagined. I suggest you perform an In-place Upgrade. This procedure reinstalls Windows, which helps to fix problems.

But don't worry. It's a simple procedure, and you have the option to keep files, settings, and apps. Therefore, all your data is kept.

(If you have a third-party antivirus installed, temporarily disable it during the entire procedure.)

Download the ISO file to perform the procedure:

1. Access the link below;

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

2. Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), click Select download and select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices);
3. Click Download;
4. Choose the language and click on Confirm;
5. Then, click 64-bit Download.
6. Wait for the download to finish and proceed to the procedure below.

After downloading the ISO, do the following:

1. Double-click the ISO to run;

(After running the ISO, you may need to double-click the Setup file to start the procedure.)

2. On the Install Windows 11 screen, uncheck I want to help make the installation of Windows better and select Change how Windows Setup download updates;
3. On the next screen, select Not right now and click Next;
4. Accept the terms of use;
5. On the Ready to install screen, select Choose what to keep and select what you want to keep.

(It is in this step that you must check Keep personal files and apps so that all your data is kept.)

6. Click on Install and wait for the procedure to finish. Your computer may restart several times.

After completing the procedure, check whether the reported issues have been resolved.

If you get any errors or the problem persists, please let me know.

Feel free to ask back any questions.