Windows 10 search not working is a common problem that newer build version rolled out along with the solution. Windows 10 may sound like one single operating system, but it is paired with a wide range of components such as Processor, RAM Modules, HDD, SSD, Graphics Card, etc. We have taken multiple hardware components into the equation to find the culprit and provide solutions according to the problem.
Follow out advanced guide on how to fix Windows 10 search not working.
Use Troubleshooter to fix Windows 10 search not working
Let us not waste any further time, and start working on implementing the solution. Microsoft added troubleshooter features in newer editions of Windows OS, and I implore the readers to put the feature at work.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and then click on the gear icon to open the “Settings” page.
Step 2: Now, click on “Update & Security” to continue.
Step 3: Look at the available functions to click on the “Troubleshoot” to continue.
Step 4: Click on the “Search and Indexing” and then click on “run the troubleshooter” to begin the process.
Step 5: A new window will pop-up on the screen and then select one option depending on the problem.
Step 6: I don’t have administrator rights at the time, so click on “Try troubleshooting as an administrator” to continue.
Step 7: Since I don’t have problems with the search bar, and that’s why there are no solutions available. However, this shouldn’t be the case in your problem and something should have been fixed.
Currently, I am using the latest build version of Windows 10 (1909), and this should be relevant to the 2020th edition. I recommend the Windows PC users to restart the computer to solve the problem if the results were similar to what’s in the snapshot.
Repair Corrupted Windows System Files
Microsoft added system repair functions more than a decade ago, and I’m fortunate enough to experience it at an early stage. Of course, MS did improve the functionalities over the years, and I should run an in-depth scan to confirm that there are no corrupted system files. Not only you are able to look for corrupted files, but the inbuilt tool will also repair them, if possible.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R and type “CMD” and then Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open it. You have to Ctrl+Shift+Enter combination to open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Copy & paste “sfc /scannow” in the empty field and hit enter to begin the process.
Step 3: I implore the readers to remain patient because the process may consume minutes to hours depending on the number of corrupted files. Even my low-end Windows 10 machine took approximately fifteen minutes to reach 100% and repair the corrupted files.
Step 4: I always maintained the Windows PC error-free, and that’s the reason nothing was detected and repaired. However, I am accurate that this shouldn’t be the case, and Windows Scanner will inform the user regarding the detection of corrupted files or repaired corrupted files.
The Windows Scanner cannot repair a specific level of corruption and fresh operating system installation is required to resolve the matter. Unfortunately, I had to reinstall the Windows operating system on my low-end laptop because it was an irreversible problem.
How to fix the search using Index Settings?
Microsoft added newer functions on the latest build version, where you can rebuild the “Search Bar” and its functions. Allow me to guide the latest edition PC administrators to rebuild the search bar, and focus on important tasks.
Step 1: Open the “Settings” app and select “Search” to continue.
Step 2: Now, select “Searching Window” to continue.
Step 3: Click on “Advanced Search Indexer Settings” to access more options.
Step 4: Another small window will show up on the screen and then click on the “Advanced” for more options.
Step 5: Another window will pop-up, and click on “Rebuild” to start the process. A confirmation pop-up will open and then click on “OK” to begin the rebuilding process.
Step 6: End the process by hitting on the “OK” button.
Remember, I did not show the waiting process because rebuilding the package consumes a few seconds to minutes, so remain patient during the process. Restart the computer to erase previous session data, and start afresh session to double-check the problem.
Restart Search Service using Task Manager
Windows Task Manager allows full control over the running programs, services, and applications running in the background. We are going to put Task Manager in a position, where it will become the beacon of solution for us.
Step 1: Open Task Manager from the taskbar or Ctrl + Alt + Del functions.
Step 2: Click on “More Details” to view advanced interface and avoid this part, if you are already switched to the advanced interface.
Step 3: Click on “Details” from the main menu, and find the “SearchUI.exe” button. Select the service from the list, and then click on the “End” button to end the process.
Start searching for a program using the Search Bar, and then double-check, whether it fixes the problem or not. I always recommend the PC administrators to restart the Windows machine. Start a new session and double-check, if the problem resolved permanently or temporarily.
Reset search on Windows 10 (Build Version 1903)
I’m aware of the statistics that millions of Windows machines are running older build versions. However, I had to focus on modern build versions because Microsoft is pushing Windows Update on previous editions. Try to follow my lead and copy & paste the commands that I have provided below and don’t get confused.
Step 1: Download Search Bar Reset file from the Microsoft website.
Step 2: Reach downloads folder, and select the file, and then right-mouse click for more options to select “Run with Powershell.”
Step 3: A confirmation pop-up appears on the screen, click on “Open” to continue. Another pop-up appears on the screen to confirm administrator identification because this process administrator rights to proceed.
Step 4: The Windows Powershell shows up on the screen and this is what you will be seeing on the screen. Copy and paste (Get-ExecutionPolicy) the command in the empty filed, and then presses enter to continue.
Step 5: Copy and paste (Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted) the command in the field and press enter to proceed further, and then type (Y) to continue.
Step 5: Now, type (C:\Users\PC-NAME\Downloads\ResetWindowssearchBox.ps1) in the next field and then press the enter button to start the process. Replace “PC-NAME” with your computer name, and it will work normally.
Step 6: Now, type (R) to confirm that you want this to proceed and begin the process.
Step 7: Copy and paste (Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted) the command in the field and press enter to proceed further, and then type (Y) to continue.
Step 8: Type Y and press Enter.
Once the entire commands ran successfully, then the search bar will work normally. I know that the majority of the PC administrators will have difficulty in following the instructions because it includes command lines but I implore trying this for the sake of fixing the problem.
Windows Update
There is a program released by Microsoft called “Windows Update Assistant” to upgrade the software to the latest build, and I think, you should not hesitate to upgrade the software immediately. I want to inform the readers that it will consume plenty of time and internet data, and brace yourself.
Windows Update: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
In the past, I would keep the software updates turned off and proceed running an older version of Windows copy. However, Microsoft is pushing the software updates frequently for a reason, and I do recommend updating the firmware once in a while.
Restart Windows Search using Services Program
I learned about the Windows Services program in 2012, where I can control Microsoft OS background running services. I would love to introduce the beginners a new phase of Windows PC and keep a tab on the background running applications.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R and then type “Services.msc” in the empty field and then press enter to continue.
Step 2: The services page follows the alphabetical order, and scroll down to the bottom to find the “Windows Search” service.
Step 3: Select the service from the list, and then right-mouse click to view more options.
Step 4: Select “Properties” expanded menu.
Step 5: This is where you might get confused, so pay attention to my lead.
- First, stop the service by clicking on the “Stop” button.
- Select startup type and change it to “Disabled” to continue.
- Click on “Apply,” and then “OK.”
I always recommend the users to restart the computer to double-check, whether the problem is persisting or permanently solved.
Bottom Line
Fixing Windows 10 Search not working does consume plenty of time when you have software-based problems. Make sure to follow the advanced methods, and also do not hesitate to update the Windows OS to the latest build version.
