Windows Search Bar helps find applications, files, settings, and all other pieces of data. Yet, the search bar may cease to respond, fail to launch or show no result despite entering the correct name. All those problems might interfere with your work, especially if the search bar was intended for quick access to apps.
To deal with a non-functional search bar, there are multiple solutions which one should try out before resorting to complicated repair techniques. Such issues usually arise due to a glitch within the system, stopping of a background process, corrupt search index, or incomplete update of Windows.
Here, you will learn about solving problems with Windows Search Bar on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
It would be easier to find a solution if one were aware of the possible causes behind the problem. These may be:
There is an issue with the temporary process in Windows.
The Windows Search Service has been turned off or is not active at all.
There is corruption within search indexing.
There are problems with system files of Windows.
There has been an update recently that created a conflict between different programs.
There is an issue with the taskbar or the start menu.
1. Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer can be one of the easiest ways to fix any temporary problems with Windows. It will stop any hanging processes and start the system services required.
To restart your computer:
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
Go to the power icon located at the bottom right corner.
Click on Restart.
Once Windows starts up, try using the search bar again.
2. Restart Windows Search Via Task Manager
When Windows Search stops responding, you can try restarting the service to get back into the normal state without needing to reboot the whole system.
Here is how to do it:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch Task Manager.
Switch to the Details tab by clicking on More details button if required.
In Windows 11, locate SearchHost.exe; in Windows 10 – SearchUI.exe.
Click on the relevant process and choose End task.
Go to the Start menu and try searching once more.
The system will automatically restart the search process after trying to launch Search.
3. Restart Windows Search Service
Windows Search service facilitates the indexing of content as well as provides the search results. In case this service is disabled or stopped, searching will not be performed correctly.
The steps to restart this service are described below:
Open Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R keys.
Enter services.msc and hit Enter key.
In the Services list, find Windows Search.
Right-click it and choose Restart option, if it exists.
When the service is stopped, choose Start option.
Check whether the search bar starts working properly.
4. Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
There are built-in troubleshooting tools in Windows which you can use to find out any problem causing trouble in searching. The troubleshooting tool will depend upon the version of Windows you are using.
In Windows 10, start by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Then you will be able to see Search and Indexing troubleshooter if it exists.
In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. There, you will be able to see what troubleshooting tools you have access to.
When the service is disabled, go to its Properties and see its Startup type. Set back the correct one instead of changing other services, if it is possible.
5. Rebuild the Windows Search Index
Windows creates an index of supported files and file properties in order to speed up searches. In case the index is damaged or not complete, you may get missing or outdated search results.
To rebuild the index:
Open the Control Panel.
Select Indexing Options. If you cannot find the option, switch the View option or search for Indexing Options in Control Panel.
Click Advanced.
Choose Rebuild from the Troubleshooting section.
Confirm your action and let Windows create the index.
Rebuilding the index does not affect your files. Nevertheless, the search results will be incomplete during the process of creating an index. The time needed for the procedure depends on the number of files and computer performance.
This procedure will be useful when search is working but does not find the files that are present on your computer.
6. Look For Windows Updates
Outdated or faulty Windows installation may sometimes impact the functioning of Start Menu, taskbar and the search functionality. Installation of updates may fix any software issues.
Windows 11:
Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install updates as instructed.
Windows 10:
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates
In case the problem occurred right after the update, look at Microsoft's recommendations on the specific update before uninstalling it.
Why won’t my Windows 11 search bar work?
Some of the reasons that might be causing this could include issues with the Search process being stuck, problems with Windows Search service, or incomplete indexing.
How can I resolve Windows Search not working?
First, reboot your PC. If the problem persists, then reboot the Search service via Task Manager and update your Windows if there are any.
Does rebuilding the search index mean that my files will be deleted?
No, because rebuilding the search index means creating the new database from where Windows can find the supported content. Your original files won’t be deleted.
Why do I get no search results from Windows Search?
Search may not have finished its indexing process, the necessary folders may not be included in the indexing process, or an index rebuild may be required.
Conclusion
However, in case the problem lies with the Windows search box and not with Windows itself, then there should be no need for reinstalling or making other big changes. Try basic things like restarting the computer and the Search service before going ahead and seeing if the service is running, rebuilding the index or performing system file checks.
Going through the above listed troubleshooting steps will help you figure out what is wrong with the search functionality on your Windows PC without risking anything.