In the case of Avast at least, once you switch the shields back on, the Start menu search may continue working as it should. 2 fixing the windows 10 search bar white issue. this works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You could just try disabling your Avast shields temporarily, which should get the Start menu search back. Fix: cortana search bar turned white if the issue is with your computer or a laptop you should try using restoro which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. ( Windows Defender itself has become a viable, secure option in recent years.) Remember, these fixes will change all white search boxes to black, and one of the fixes need admin privileges. This transforms the Cortana box into a Search Windows tool for local application and file searches. But you can still disable Cortana via a registry hack or group policy setting. You used to be able to turn off Cortana in Windows 10, but Microsoft removed that easy toggle switch in the Anniversary Update. Avast is one culprit, so try uninstalling that if you have it, then find an alternative if need be. Microsoft doesn’t want you to disable Cortana.

To be clear, we’re not suggesting here that you should disable and completely remove all third-party antivirus software from your device, but based on feedback here and across the Internet, certain programs cause Windows Search to malfunction. Disable/Restart Third-Party Antivirus, Enable Windows Firewall In addition, running the SFC utility in Windows 10 Safe Mode could solve the problem for you, so that’s worth a shot if doing it in regular Windows 10 fails. See Windows 10 editions for education customers for more info. Note: Cortana is removed from the Windows 10 Education and Windows 10 Pro Education editions. Give that the Start menu search is a system process, any errors in it should be detected by using the SFC utility. You can also search 'Cortana settings' in the search box on the taskbar, and select Cortana & Search settings from the results. This will scan your system files for any errors and corruptions and automatically attempt to fix them.

Cortana search bar turned white