Fix problems in Windows Search
- Check for updates. Windows 10 lets you choose when and how to get the latest updates to help keep your device running smoothly and securely.
- Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter. Your PC automatically indexes content to deliver faster search results. Learn more about Search indexing in Windows 10.
- Restart Windows Search or your device. End the SearchUI process to restart Windows Search. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and select Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, select the Details tab.
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Troubleshoot.
- Under the "Find and fix other problems" section, select the search and Indexing option.
- Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
How to reset Windows Search in Windows 10?
To use the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
- Select Start, then select Settings.
- In Windows Settings, select Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Under Find and fix other problems, select Search and Indexing.
- Run the troubleshooter, and select any problems that apply. Windows will try to detect and solve them.
How to fix search problems in Windows 10?
To fix the search functionality with the Settings app, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Troubleshoot.
- Under the "Find and fix other problems" section, select the search and Indexing option.
- Click the Run the troubleshooter button. ...
- Check the problems that best describe your situation — for example, Files don't appear in search results option. ...
- Click the Next button.
What is the best free repair tool for Windows 10?
The Best Free Windows 10 Repair Tools to Fix Any Problem
- IOBit Driver Booster. Windows 10 tries to handle driver updates, but it isn't perfect. ...
- FixWin 10. FixWin 10 isn't just one of the best Windows 10 repair tools, it's portable! ...
- Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4. Ultimate Windows Tweaker has the same developer as FixWin10 (The Windows Club). ...
- Windows Repair. ...
- Windows Repair Toolbox. ...
- O&O ShutUp10. ...
How to fix Windows Search not working?
Uninstall third-party start menu apps
- Launch the Windows settings app by pressing the Windows+I keyboard shortcut.
- Here, navigate to the Apps section.
- Now, again click on the Apps & Features option.
- Once done, simply click on the three-dotted icon next to the installed app and choose the uninstall option from the drop-down list.
Why is my Windows 10 search not working?
One of the reasons why Windows 10 search isn't working for you is because of a faulty Windows 10 update. If Microsoft hasn't released a fix just yet, then one way of fixing search in Windows 10 is to uninstall the problematic update. To do this, return to the Settings app, then click 'Update & Security'.
How do I repair Windows search in Windows 10?
Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooterSelect Start, then select Settings.In Windows Settings, select Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Under Find and fix other problems, select Search and Indexing.Run the troubleshooter, and select any problems that apply. Windows will try to detect and solve them.
How do I fix Windows search bar?
8 Ways to Fix the Windows Search Bar Not Showing or Working on Windows 11Check If the Windows Search Bar Is Enabled. ... Restart Your PC. ... Update Your Windows to the Latest Version. ... Restart Windows Search Bar Process. ... Restart the Windows Search Service. ... Rebuild the Windows Search Index. ... Use the Windows Search Troubleshooter.More items...•
How do I restart the search bar in Windows 10?
1:485:15How to Fix Search Bar Not Working in Windows 10 (Easiest Ways)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip10 when you look for windows explorer it'll be file explorer so maybe you should look for thatMore10 when you look for windows explorer it'll be file explorer so maybe you should look for that instead in future versions but for right. Now don't worry about this look for windows explorer now
Why does search not work in File Explorer?
If you encounter File Explorer search not responding, the first thing you can do is restarting your File Explorer. To do that, just press Windows + X and select Task Manager from the menu. In the pop-up windows, find and select Windows Explorer process, and click Restart button.
Can not type in Windows 10 search bar?
0:141:30(Permanently Solved) Can't Type In The Search Bar On Windows 10 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip10 or keyboard not working in search bar on windows 10 that video did not give you a permanent.More10 or keyboard not working in search bar on windows 10 that video did not give you a permanent. Solution that's why i made this video. So let's see permanently how to fix the keyboard not working in
Can't search in Windows Start Menu?
8 Ways to Fix the Windows 10 Start Menu Search When It Stops...Uninstall Windows 10 Updates. ... Run an SFC System Scan. ... Reset File Explorer. ... Restart Cortana. ... Reset the Entire Start Menu Search Bar. ... Go Over the Windows Search Service. ... Run the Windows Troubleshooter. ... Perform a Factory Reset.
When I type in the search bar nothing happens?
Or you've entered a keyword you're sure should produce results, but nothing happens. Sometimes the search bar is blocked entirely, and you can't even type. The causes for these issues can be anything from temporary loss of internet connection to Windows update messing up the functionality of the search bar.
Check for updates
Windows 10 lets you choose when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. To manage your options and see any available updates, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
Your PC automatically indexes content to deliver faster search results. Learn more about Search indexing in Windows 10.
Restart Windows Search or your device
End the SearchUI process to restart Windows Search by following these steps:
Reset Windows Search
Try resetting Windows Search by using the method that's appropriate for your version of Windows.
Help us improve Search in Windows 10
If the previous suggestions don't fix the problem, let us know by sending feedback in the Feedback Hub. Provide details, such as a description of the problem, screenshots, log files, and any other information that might be helpful. In the Feedback Hub, select the appropriate category and subcategory.
How to fix search in Windows 10?
To fix the search functionality with the Settings app, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Update & Security. Click on Troubleshoot. Under the "Find and fix other problems" section, select the search and Indexing option. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
How to reset search feature on Windows 10?
If your device is running Windows 10 version 18069, October 2018 Update, or an earlier release, then to reset the search feature, use these steps: Open Start. Right-click Cortana from the "All apps" list. Select the More option.
How to search for files on Windows 10?
Click the Start button. Click the Apply button. Click the OK button. After you complete the steps, Windows Search will enable on your computer, and you should be able to start searching for files and apps for taskbar and File Explorer again.
What is Windows Search?
On Windows 10, Windows Search is an essential feature that allows you to find virtually anything on your computer (such as documents, pictures, videos, system files, apps, emails, and settings) very quickly.
Can indexing cause problems?
The indexing feature can also cause problems that can prevent returning search results on your device. If you have tried all the previous instructions, you can try rebuilding the index database to fix search problems on Windows 10. To rebuild the search index on your device, use these steps: Open Settings.
Method 1. Fix Windows search that shows blank results (2020 Update)
On February 5th, many Windows 10 users around the globe discovered that Windows search shows blank results after entering a search query. Such issue arose from a Bing integration to Windows search bug. At the moment, there is nothing you can do to make the Bing service work properly as the issue lies on Microsoft’s end.
Method 1. Restart Search services via Task Manager
One of the easiest methods to enable search in Windows is to restart Search and Cortana services via Windows Task Manager.
Method 3. Restart Windows Explorer and Cortana
In case the previous methods didn’t solve the issue with Windows search, you should try to restart Windows Explorer and Cortana.
Method 4. Employ Windows Troubleshooter
Windows Troubleshooter can help you to restore indexing services. In addition, troubleshooters are good because they do the hard work for you – you just need to run them and wait for instructions.
Method 5. Configure the size of the paging file
Press Windows key + R on your keyboard. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
Method 6. Check Indexing Options
Yet another method to fix Windows 10 search that keeps loading is to slightly alter Indexing Options.
Method 7. Use Powershell commands
You can try running several commands via Powershell to fix the issue. Just copy and paste them.
Why isn't my search working on Windows 10?
One of the reasons why Windows 10 search isn’t working for you is because of a faulty Windows 10 update. If Microsoft hasn’t released a fix just yet, then one way of fixing search in Windows 10 is to uninstall the problematic update. To do this, return to the Settings app, then click ‘Update & Security’. From the window that appears, click ‘View ...
How to make search indexer work on Windows 10?
On the left-hand menu, click ‘Searching Windows’, then under where it says “More Search Indexer Settings”, click ‘Advanced Search Indexer Settings.’. Click the ‘Advanced’ button in the next window that appears, then click the ‘Rebuild’ button. Click ‘OK’ and let Windows 10 do its thing.
How to check if Windows 10 is up to date?
To do this, open up the Settings app (click the Start menu and then the cog icon), then click ‘Update & Security’. At the top of the screen that appears, you’ll be told if there is an update ready to be installed, or if Windows 10 is up to date.
Does Windows 10 have search?
Unfortunately, Microsoft has released a number of recent updates for Windows 10 that have introduced issues to how search works in Windows 10 – both from the taskbar and when using Windows Explorer. If you’ve found that search is no longer working properly in Windows 10, then the good news is that there are a variety of fixes you can try ...
How to search for apps on Windows 10?
How to search in Windows 10? Click on the search box located on the left-hand side of your taskbar. You can also open search bar Windows 10 directly by pressing Windows + S. It will show you the top apps you use as well as the recent activities.
Where is the search bar on my computer?
Windows desktop search is easy enough. You only need to find your taskbar (located at the bottom by default) on the PC screen; then, use the Windows search bar to start the search job.
How to find the file explorer?
Open File Explorer as you usually do or by pressing Windows + E directly. Move to the search box at the top right . You can also navigate to the drive/folder that contains the item you need. Type the correct name into the search bar. Click “ -> ” (the arrow icon) or press Enter.
What is Windows 8 search bar?
Windows 8 introduced an awesome search bar that lets you locate any file, process, service, system feature, or installed application on your computer. It can also look up information on the web. And it only got better with Windows 10.
What happens if your Windows 10 is corrupted?
If your operating system has any corrupt files, it could have a negative impact on an unpredictable amount of apps and features, including the Windows 10 search bar. However, you should be able to solve this problem without outside help and without creating OS recovery media.
What is Windows Update?
Windows Update brings the newest features, improvements, hot fixes, and security patches for your exact OS edition. If other PC users are experiencing the same search bar problems as you are and Microsoft becomes aware of this, then you should expect an update that fixes everything.
What is search index?
The search index represents the entire scope. In other words, Windows is limited to only searching for results in the specified index. So, if a file you’ve been looking for is not part of the index, then Windows will have no way to track it down.
Does the search bar work anymore?
Unfortunately, many users are having trouble with it, reporting that the Windows 10 search bar is not working anymore. In some cases, it does work but doesn’t display accurate results.
Does Cortana work without the search bar?
Microsoft’s Cortana is intertwined with the Windows 10 search bar. Usually, one doesn’t work properly without the other. That doesn’t stop certain users from removing Cortana from their operating system if they feel it’s not needed. Unfortunately, no Cortana could very well mean no more search bar.
How to fix a file that is not bringing up in search?
Open the Indexer Diagnostics tool. Select the “Search is not working” tab. Click the Reset button. Add a File’s Path to Search Indexer. If the search function works fine but simply cannot bring up a particular file, it might be because the path that leads to the file is missing from the search index.
What to do if your computer is sluggish?
If the machine becomes sluggish anytime you use the Search function, you can use the tool to check the Search Indexer Service. You may also need to optimize your PC to solve stability issues. RECOMMENDED.
Why isn't my file indexed?
If your file isn’t indexed because the search indexer isn’t checking every storage volume on a PC with multiple internal storage, you can rectify this.
What is the search indexer service?
This service is the Windows component that deals with search requests. When you use the search function on Windows, the Search indexer service handle s the query and fetches relevant results for you.
Is Indexer Diagnostics Tool preinstalled?
The Indexer Diagnostics Tool is a Microsoft utility so it works very well with Windows. However, it isn’t preinstalled in the OS so you need to download it from the Microsoft Store. After installing it, launch it and grant it administrator access.
What is Windows Search?
Windows Search is a desktop search platform that has instant search capabilities for most common file and data types such as email, contacts, calendar appointments, documents, photos, multimedia, and other formats that can be extended by third party developers . These capabilities enable users to find, manage, and organize the increasing amount ...
Does reseting search affect files?
Resetting Windows Search does not affect your files. However, it may temporarily affect the relevance of search results. You must be signed in as an administrator to reset Windows Search. # Copyright © 2019, Microsoft Corporation.
