How to Fix Windows 11 Search Not Working: Step-by-Step Guide

Having issues with the Search Bar on Windows 11 can make your workflow frustratingly slow and hinder productivity. Fortunately, several methods can effectively resolve these issues. This step-by-step detailed guide covers all of the most recommended troubleshooting techniques to restore your search function.

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Quick Preliminary Checks

Before following detailed troubleshooting methods, perform these simple checks:

• Restart Windows Explorer
  Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer, right-click it and select Restart.

• Restart Your Computer
  This simple action often fixes many temporary issues.

• Check for Windows Updates:
  Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, choose Windows Update, and ensure your system is fully updated by clicking Check for updates.

If these quick tips did not resolve the issue, continue with the step-by-step methods below.

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Method 1: Restart the Search Service

Sometimes, Windows Search service may hang or fail. Restarting it might quickly solve the problem.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog.

2. Type:

   services.msc

   Press Enter or click OK.

3. Scroll down and find Windows Search.
4. Right-click on Windows Search and select Restart.
5. If the restart option is greyed out, select Stop, wait a few seconds, and then click Start.
6. Ensure Startup type is set to Automatic.
7. Close the services window and check if this resolved the issue.

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Method 2: Run Windows Search Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically discover and correct any problems related to the search function.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Select System on the left sidebar, then choose Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
4. Scroll down and find Search and Indexing.
5. Click the Run button next to it.
6. Select appropriate options from the troubleshooter prompt and follow the instructions on the screen.
7. After the troubleshooter finishes, restart your computer and check the search again.

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Method 3: Restart Windows Search Using Task Manager

Restarting SearchUI.exe through Task Manager often resolves search issues.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open Task Manager.
2. Navigate to the Details tab (click on "More details" if needed).
3. Locate SearchHost.exe or SearchIndexer.exe.
4. Right-click and select End task or End process.
5. After ending, Windows will automatically restart this process.
6. Try using the search bar again.

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Method 4: Rebuild the Windows Search Index

A corrupted search index may cause search problems. Rebuilding it can fix the issue.

Steps:

1. Open up Settings (Win + I).
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Scroll down and select Searching Windows.
4. Under Related settings, select Advanced indexing options.
5. In the new dialog box, click the Advanced button.
6. Under the Index Settings tab, click on Rebuild.
   (Note: This can take several minutes depending on the size of your drive.)
7. Once indexing is completed, check whether the search problem is resolved.

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Method 5: Check and Repair Corrupted System Files (SFC & DISM)

Corrupted system files can cause issues, including problems with Windows Search.

Steps:

1. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Type the following command, and press Enter:
   cmd
   sfc /scannow

   • Wait for the scan to complete.
   • If file corruption was detected and repaired, restart your computer afterward.

3. Run the following DISM command if SFC couldn’t fully complete the repairs:
   cmd
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

   • After the DISM command finishes, rerun the SFC scan.

4. Restart your PC and verify again.

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Method 6: Reset Windows Search Completely Using PowerShell

• You can force a reset of default apps and search functionality if you still experience problems.

Steps:

1. Click Start, search for PowerShell, right-click it, and select "Run as administrator."

2. Enter the following commands one at a time followed by Enter:
   powershell
   Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Search | Remove-AppxPackage

   Then reinstall with this command:

   powershell
   Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Search -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Restart your PC after completing these steps.

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Method 7: Reset Your PC (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, consider resetting your Windows 11 OS. This method safely reinstalls Windows, typically resolving hard-to-solve issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings (Win + I).
2. Select System, then click on Recovery.
3. Under "Recovery options", select "Reset PC" and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Choose between keeping your files (recommended) or remove everything (to start fresh).
5. Complete the process to refresh your Windows installation. Make sure to backup your data first, especially if choosing to remove all files.

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Additional Tips to Keep Windows Search Running Smoothly:

• Regularly update Windows for the latest patches.
• Periodically run the Disk Cleanup utility to clear temporary files.
• Always maintain a reliable antivirus program to avoid malware invasions which can negatively affect Windows Search.

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Conclusion

Windows search issues can be frustrating, but fortunately, they are easily resolvable using the methods listed above. Typically, restarting the search services, rebuilding the search index, running built-in SFC and DISM tools, or utilizing the troubleshooter will resolve most issues.

If you diligently follow through this thorough step-by-step guide, you’ll restore your Windows 11 search feature back to proper functionality in no time.