If you are unable to get adequate or any search response from the Windows search utility, you can use the solutions offered in this guide to fix the Windows 10 search not working issues.
Windows search utility has seen immense development in the past decade. Previously, the search results on the utility were limited to those related to the Windows operating system like Settings, display properties, etc. However, with the recent updates, users are able to even search the web for their queries, right from the Task Bar.
You can develop a habit of searching for queries of Windows utilities and settings via the Search bar. Hence, if the Windows search is not working because of one or the other reason, it can bother you a lot. This problem of search indexing on Windows is quite common and faced by numerous users.
If you are one such user, then you have come to the right place. Here, we will have a look at some of the most beneficial methods to fix the Windows search not working issue. All the solutions offered here are trusted and do not pose any threat to your personal data. So, let’s proceed to the solutions to learn more.
Methods to Fix the Windows Search Bar Not Working Problem
In the coming sections of this guide, we will be targeting the reasons behind the Windows 10 search not working error and using some workable solutions to fix it. You need to undergo these solutions chronologically and try all the solutions till the problems disappear. So, start with the first solution offered right below and work your way down.
Fix 1: Restart the PC
One of the most common solutions to fix the Windows 10 search not working error is to restart the PC. This is the simplest solution that you can try. Restarting the PC will allow the operating system to rebuild the index of the search utility and operate it correctly. Additionally, it will also remove the temporary bugs that may be causing the Windows search bar to not work. If you feel that restarting the system has not fixed the problem, you can try the next fix.
Fix 2: Use the Windows Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
The next solution to fix the Windows 10 search not working issue is to use the Search and Indexing troubleshooter to rebuild the index for the search utility. The troubleshooter will offer a step-by-step detailed procedure for you to follow to fix all the indexing problems. Follow the steps provided below to learn how to use the troubleshooter:
- Press the combination of the Win + I keys to open the Settings of your Windows PC.
- Click on the Update & Security section.
- Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
- Click on the Additional Troubleshooters to get on with the process.
- Click on Search and Indexing in the list of troubleshooting alternatives and select Run the Troubleshooter to proceed.
- Follow the on-screen instructions that appear to fix the issue.
This simple solution will easily fix the Windows 10 search bar not working issue. However, if the problem persists, follow the next solution.
Also know: How to Fix “The Application was Unable to Start Correctly 0xc00007B” Error in Windows 10
Fix 3: Restart the Search Service
Restarting the Windows Search service on the Windows PC will also help you fix the Windows 10 search not working problem. The Windows Search Service is the one that manages the search operations on Windows 10/11 PCs. Hence, restarting the same can help you avoid search-related issues. Follow the below-offered steps to do the same:
- Press the combination of the Win + S keys, type Services, and press the Enter key.
- Wait for the tool to appear and then look for Windows Search on the service list.
- Double-click on Windows Search to proceed.
- If the service is running (which it must be), click on the Stop button.
- Now, press the Start button to restart the Windows Search service.
Close everything and see if the search section is behaving properly on the Windows PC. You can try the last solution below if the Windows search not working issue persists.
Fix 4: Update the Operating System
Updating the operating system is the ultimate solution to fix the Windows 10 search not working issue. Some bugs on the last Windows update may be causing the issues related to Search indexing. Hence, if you are wondering how to fix Windows search indexing using the Windows Update, follow the steps provided below:
- Press the combination of the Win + S keys, type Check for Updates, and hit the Enter button.
- Wait for the tool to load and press the Check for Updates button.
- The tool will look for the OS updates online. When the updates are listed, click on the Download and Install button to get them.
Also know: How to Fix Windows 10 Video Scheduler Internal Error?
Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working: Fixed
In the previous sections of this guide, we had a look at some of the best methods to fix the Windows 10 search not working issue on Windows 10/11. The solutions described and listed above are fairly easy to use and will allow you to fix all Windows Search Indexing issues so that you can use the search utility for your queries feasibly.
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