How to Fix Windows 10 Search Not Working?

Fix Windows 10 Search Not Working:

Windows 8 had a great search bar that enabled you to locate installed apps, system features, service, process, and files on your PC. If you want, you can also search for information on the web. The search feature got better with the introduction to Windows 10. Sadly, a lot of people are experiencing problems with the search feature on Windows 10. In some cases, the search feature works but it does not show the right results. 

Windows 10 search not working problem can terribly impact your computer. You need the search function to search for something on your computer. Sometimes, the Search feature gets in the way of the user, which is why a lot of users remove the search bar from the Windows 10 taskbar. 

How can I Fix Windows 10 Search not Working Problem?

There are multiple solutions that you can apply to restore the Windows 10 search bar to its normal status. Nonetheless, before you get started, you need to create a system restore point. If something terrible happens, then you can bring Windows 10 to the previous state. 

1) Run the Troubleshooter

Microsoft has various troubleshooters for unfortunate events. Windows 10 search not working is one such unfortunate event. 

Step 1: First of all, go to the Start menu and then navigate to Settings. 

Step 2: Choose Update and Security. 

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot gave on the left side. 

Step 4: Choose the option of Search and Indexing. After that, select the option of Run the troubleshooter. 

Step 5: Carry out the prompts appearing on the screen. 

Step 6: Restart your PC. 

2) Download Windows Updates 

Windows Updates bring security patches, hot fixes, improvements, and the newest features for your OS edition. If the PC users are experiencing the same search bar issues as you, then you must wait for the update to fix everything. 

Step 1: Go to the Start menu and then enter Check for Updates and then press the enter key. 

Step 2: The checkup will start immediately. Wait for it to finish and then click on the Download button and check if there are any pending updates. 

3) Restart the Search Service of Windows 

If you want the search bar to work properly, then you must make sure that its corresponding service is working properly. 

Step 1: Press the Ctrl+R key simultaneously and then press the Enter key. 

Step 2: Search for Windows Search and then double-click on it to open Properties. 

Step 3: Change the Startup type to Automatic. 

Step 4: If your service is not running properly, then select Start. 

Step 5: Select Apply to apply all the changes made. 

Step 6: Now, use the search bar. 

4) Restart or End Some Processes

The use of the Windows Search function is a lot similar to using an app. It has a process that runs in the background. You can easily control and manage it from the Task Manager. A lot of processes are involved in the runtime of the search bar. This includes CTF Loader, Cortana, Windows explorer, searchUI.exe. 

Step 1: Go to the Windows taskbar and then right-click on it and then click on Task Manager. 

Step 2: After that, go to the Processes tab and then click on Windows Explorer and then Select Restart. 

Step 3: Click on Cortana and then select End Task. 

Step 4: Go to the Details tab. 

Step 5: Select the End task for SearchUI.exe, ctfmon.exe, and Searchindexer.exe. 

Step 6: Go to the Start menu and then turn on Cortana. 

Step 7: Now, use the Search bar. 

5) Rebuild the Windows Search Index

The search index shows the complete scope. Windows is limited to searching for results in the specified index. Below are the steps that you need to follow to rebuild the Windows Search Index. If the file you want is not a part of the index, then Windows won't be able to track it down. 

Step 1: Please ensure that you are logged into your computer admin.

Step 2: Press Ctrl+R and then enter Control Panel. 

Step 3: Select Indexing Options.

Step 4: Select Advanced. 

Step 5: Go to Troubleshooting- Delete and Rebuild index and then select Rebuild. 

Step 6: Select OK to confirm and then wait for the task to complete. 

Step 7: Restart your computer and then use the search bar.