Windows Search Not Working? Try 11 Results-Driven Methods

Why Is Windows Search Not Working Properly?

As everyone knowsWindows Search is a feature that allows users to quickly find filesapplicationssettingsand information on their computer. If it malfunctions or doesn’t workit might seriously affect the user experience and even delay the work progress.

The following situations may cause your Windows search bar to fail to function properly.

1. Some software glitches may cause Windows search bar to stop working.
2. Issues related to the network connection could be the culprit.
3. Windows 10/11 search bar can be affected by Windows updates.
4. If Cortana malfunctionsit can hinder your ability to search for items.
5. Some preinstalled software may become damaged or malfunction.
6. When your computer is overloadedthe Windows search tool will not load correctly.
7. More.

After knowing the underlying causes of the Windows search not working problemit’s time to make it usable again. Want to know how? Keep digging!

How to Fix Windows 10/11 Search Bar Not Working?

Here is a video guide:

Option 1: Restart Your Computer

For many minor problems on computersa simple restart can fix them easily. Windows Search crashing can be regarded as a relatively common problem. If you encounter itdon’t panicrestarting your computer should do the trick.

To do so: click on Start > select the Power icon > hit Restart.

If you still cannot use the Windows Search tooltry the next method then.

Option 2: Check for Windows Update

The latest Windows update can help resolve the problem and make the Search tool work well again. Check if your system is up-to-date or if there are any available updates.

To do so: select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

If it requires an updatedownload and install it at once. Then restart your machine and fire up Windows Search again.

Option 3: End Cortana Process

What is Cortana? It is Microsoft’s virtual assistant that operates via text and voice commands. It can accomplish a variety of tasks such as answering user questionssending emailsopening applicationsand so forth.

You can try to stop the Cortana process to solve Windows 10 search not working. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial:

Step 1. Right-click on the taskbar and choose Task Manager.

Step 2. In the Processes sectionscroll down to find the Cortana processright-click on itand then select End task to disable it.

Step 3. After thatreboot the computer and check whether the Search issue is solved or not.

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Option 4: Restart Windows Font Cache Service

The Windows Font Cache Service is responsible for managing and optimizing the font cache on your computer. In some casesit can cause conflicts with the search function. Restarting it can resolve the search problem.

Here’s how to restart the Windows Font Cache Service:

Step 1. Type service.msc in the Run dialog (Win + R) and hit OK.

Step 2. Scroll down the list to find Windows Font Cache Service.

Step 3. Right-click on the service and hit Restart.

Option 5: Reboot the Taskbar

When the search bar is not working on Windows 10/11you can also try restarting the taskbar. It may help use the search bar again. It’s an easy operationand here are the steps to do that.

Step 1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.

Step 2. Go to the Processes section and scroll down until you find Windows Explorer.

Step 3. Right-click on it and choose Restart from the shortcut menu.

After thatthe taskbar will disappear. You just need to wait until it comes back and then try using the search bar again.

Option 6: Restart Windows Search Service

When your Windows Search service is stuckthe search bar won’t load properly. In this caseyou can try to restart the search service to resolve the problem.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Fire up the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.

Step 2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.

Step 3. In the Service windowlook for Windows Searchright-click on itand choose Restart from the context menu.

Upon completionrestart your computer to check if the search bar works fine.

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Option 7: Rebuild the Search Index

If the search bar still failsyou can rebuild the Windows Search Index. By doing sothis process will update the index of the search functionenabling the search to locate files and data within your system. At the same timeit can also solve the problem.

To do that:

Step 1. Launch the Run windowtype Control Paneland then hit OK.

Step 2. Then navigate to Indexing Options.

Step 3. In the Indexing Options windowselect Advanced and click Rebuild from the Troubleshooting table.

Step 4. It will remind you that the rebuilding process will take a long time. Tap OK to confirm.

Once donerestart your PC.

Option 8: Run Search and Index Troubleshooter

Windows PC is equipped with a dedicated troubleshooting toolwhich is designed to diagnose and solve problems related to search and indexing features. It should be a good option to fix the Windows 10 search bar not working issue.

Proceed with the following instructions:

Step 1. Launch Control Panel and find Troubleshooting.

Step 2. In the Troubleshooting windowchoose View all in the left pane.

Step 3. Navigate to Search and Indexing and click Next in the newly popped-up window.

Step 4. Check the problems you have encountered and hit Next.

Step 5. Then the Windows troubleshooter will run automaticallydetecting and fixing the problems.

When the troubleshooting is finishedreboot the device and use your search bar again.

Option 9: Perform System File Checker & DISM tool

Corrupted system files on your computer could result in the Windows search bar failing to work. To address this Windows Search issueit’s necessary to run the System File Check/DISM tool.

Follow the detailed steps:

Step 1. Go to Task Manager and click the File tab in the top left corner.

Step 2. Choose Run new tasktype cmd in the new boxcheck Create this task with administrative privilegesand then hit OK to continue.

Step 3. In the Command Prompt windowinput sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

When the scanning process is completedrestart your PC to check if the issue is gone. If notrun the following DISM commands:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Similarlyreboot the PC and check the result.

Option 10: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimesthird-party antivirus software can interfere with Windows search. You can turn off your firewall or antivirus to verify if it’s causing the Windows Search issue.

To do so:

#How to Disable Windows Firewall?

Step 1. Open Control Panel through the Run dialog (Win + R).

Step 2. Look for Windows Defender Firewall and click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left menu.

Step 3. Choose Turn off Windows Defender Firewall under Private network settings & Public network settings.

Step 4. Then tap on OK to save the changes.

#How to Turn off Windows Antivirus?

Step 1. Press Win + I to bring up Windows Settings.

Step 2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Step 3. Locate Virus & threat protection settings and click Manage settings.

Step 4. Toggle off the Real-time protection option.

Option 11: Reset Your Windows PC

If none of the solutions work for youthen you need to reset your PC to solve the Windows search not working issue.

Important Notice:

It’s strongly suggested that you back up important files before resetting your computer. This is to prevent the occurrence of accidental data loss during the resetting process. When it comes to data backupMiniTool ShadowMaker is a good choice.

It is a professional backup softwareallowing you to back up files from the desktoplibraryUsersand computer. Meanwhilesystem backupdisk backupand partition backup are also supported.

FurthermoreMiniTool ShadowMaker also has abundant features. Examples include creating automatic backup schedulesmodifying the image compression levelcloning HDD to SSDcloning an SSD to a larger SSDsetting password protectionetc.

Nowlet’s see how to create a backup with MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Step 1. Downloadinstalland then launch this program.

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Step 2. In the Backup pagehighlight the SOURCE section > Folder and Files to choose the items you want to back up.

Thengo to DESTINATION to pick a storage path for the backup.

Step 3. Click on Back Up Now to start the backup process immediately.

With the backups in handyou can restore your data in the event of system crashesmalware infectionhard drive failureand more.

Nowyou can safely perform a PC reset. Follow the instructions:

Step 1. Open Settings through the left side of the Start menu.

Step 2. Select Update & Security > Recovery.

Step 3. Click on Get started under Reset this PC.

Step 4. Choose Keep my files, and then follow the prompts on the screen to complete the reset.

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Wrapping Things Up

To sum upwe introduce a series of methods to solve the Windows Search not working problem. Just try them one by one until you find the one that works for you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us via [email protected] if you experience any problems with MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Windows Search Not Working FAQ