New laptop: can't find anything :(

My previous laptops: hit windows key, start typing... 4 characters later, instant search results

For example, I want to add a printer...
Hit windows, type prin...
And I see 'Devices and Printers' link

I get nothing
When I do a search, it goes away and things for about 45 seconds and hen gives results

I'm logged in as Admin
The same happens for many other searched for items
It's winding me up
What am I doing wrong?

It's Windows 8.1 and a HP Pavillion laptop

Thanks


OM