Resolving Emoji Search Issues in Windows 10 After Recent Updates
Introduction
Many Windows 10 users rely on the built-in emoji panel for quick, expressive communication. However, recent updates have introduced glitches that disrupt this functionality. One common problem reported is the inability to search for emojis within the panel, which can hinder productivity and casual messaging alike. This article explores the nature of this issue and offers practical solutions to restore your emoji search capability.
Understanding the Issue
The problem manifests when users open the emoji panel using the shortcut Win + . (Windows key plus period). While browsing through emojis manually remains possible, typing search queries fails to produce relevant results. Instead, the panel either remains blank or displays a message indicating that zero emojis were found, despite the desired emojis being visible when manually scrolled to.
This anomaly was observed to coincide with a specific Windows 10 update released on July 8th. Users who experienced this problem reported it shortly after the update’s installation, suggesting a regression or bug introduced in this patch.
Verification and Affected Versions
If you encounter this issue, verify that your Windows 10 system is up to date. Paradoxically, the latest updates may be the source of the problem. Confirm your current version via Settings > System > About, and compare it with recent update histories.
Recent discussions, including official Microsoft support threads, confirm that the July 8th update has caused disruptions in the emoji search feature. A relevant Microsoft support thread details this problem and provides context for affected users. Learn more here.
Potential Solutions
- Roll Back the Update (Temporary Fix)
The most immediate workaround is to uninstall the problematic update, effectively reverting your system to a prior state where the emoji panel functions correctly. To do this:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
- Locate the specific update (e.g., KBxxxxx related to July 8th update).
- Click on “Uninstall updates” and select the update to remove.
- Restart your computer to complete the process.
Note: Use this method as a temporary measure until Microsoft releases an official fix.
- Use the On-Screen Keyboard or Alternative Emoji Input Methods
While awaiting a permanent fix, you can utilize other methods for emoji input:
- On-Screen Keyboard: Access via Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Copy
Share this content:
