Windows 8.1 Search does not automatically select first search match

07
2014-07
  • Miguel Sevilla

    When I search in Windows 8/8.1 (start menu->start typing), it doesn't automatically highlight the search term. For example, if I'm trying to open the "Internet Options" panel and type the entire thing out in search, I have to down arrow or tab to the "Internet Options" search result. This is retarded. I'm used to Windows 7 style search where the first match is highlighted and i can easily just hit return.

    First match highlighting does work for other built-in things like "Control Panel", but it should work for all things in general, as it did in Windows 7 search.

    Anyways, if there is an option to enable this in Windows 8/8.1, I'd appreciate the tip. Thanks!

    • Answers
  • Senko

    This isn't a direct fix for your issue, but rather a workaround. I understand your issue, and I believe your main complaint is having to remove your hands from the keyboard to the mouse in order to click on the searched term. What I do as an alternative, as I have experienced the same issue with you on 8.1, is type the search term, then a quick down arrow followed by an enter key will select/initiate your first searched term.


    • Related Question

    Highlight first result in Windows 7 search?
  • Andy Shinn

    Is there any way to have the Windows 7 start search bar highlight the first result found so I can just hit Enter on the result rather than have to use the down arrow 2 times?

    Currently, when I search for a file, it list all the matches and automatically highlights "See more results". I have to press the down arrow 3 times to highlight the first file match. This seems like a needless waste of keystrokes...


    • Related Answers
  • surfasb

    Shift+F6 jumps you to the Results Pane.

    Edit:

    As I commented before, for the Start Menu, your machine isn't the default behavior. I'd try it on a fresh machine and look at the shell extensions you've installed.