Freeze-up problem after Cntrl-F search

Operating system

Windows

Joplin version

3.6.16

Desktop version info

Joplin 3.6.16 (prod, win32)

Device: win32, Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 5 235U
Client ID: 68b483af69aa4960aad95a2782582d68
Sync Version: 3
Profile Version: 53
Keychain Supported: Yes
Alternative instance ID: -
Sync target: OneDrive
Editor: Markdown

Revision: e1cf924

Backup: 1.5.1
Copy HTTP link: 1.0.0
Favorites 2: 1.6.0

What issue do you have?

When I run a Cntrl-F search within a single note, I often get a slew of problems at the same time: All the apps on my laptop freeze for 30+ seconds, the focus shifts away from Joplin to other apps and then back again, the cursor changes shape and then back again, the cursor wanders around the screen on its own, and I can't move the cursor with either the trackpad or mouse. The problem occurs most often after I run a search across notes, find the note I'm interested in, and then quickly run an in-note search.

Note. I tried to upload my log.text file to accompany this message, but got an error message: "Sorry, the file you are trying to upload is too big (maximum size is 10 MB)" -- even though the file is only 21KB.

Hi Petersuber, here are a few things to eliminate potential causes:

  • Check for Plugin Conflicts
    Sometimes, plugins are resource contention during tasks. Could you try disabling all your installed plugins and see if the Ctrl+F issue persists?

  • Try Safe Mode
    This runs Joplin with minimum settings to rule out issues caused by custom configurations. You can find detailed instructions here: How to enable debugging | Joplin.

  • Investigate Keyboard Conflicts
    This is a common Windows issue, but worth checking: Are you running any other background applications (like screen capture tools, keyboard macro utilities, or certain gaming overlays)? Sometimes those programs grab global shortcuts like Ctrl+F before Joplin even gets to process them, which can mess up the focus and cause that erratic cursor behavior.

Try again to upload you log file. If you cannot they are plenty of file sharing services (like this one).

Thanks. I've disabled all my plugins and will test. It may take a while since the problem I reported is sporadic, not consistent.

I do run a keyboard macro utility (Active Words). But I've not set it to use Cntrl+F for anything.

Update. I can now report that I still get the problem when Favorites is the only active plugin. I'm using Favorites v1.6.0. The problem is not as bad as it was when I had several plugins turned on, for example, the freeze-up lasts 5-10 seconds rather than 30+ seconds. But it's definitely happening.