If the search feature is not working on your computer, below are the troubleshooting methods to fix the Windows search not working issue.
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Windows search not working
Both Windows 10 and 11 have a robust search feature that lets you search for files and folders right from the search box next to the Start button.
While the Windows search function works fine most of the time, it is also notorious for becoming slower and even unresponsive, especially after installing a Windows update.
When Windows search stops working, it is known to become unresponsive at all and can even prevent you from clicking or typing in the search box.
1. Restart computer
Sometimes the problem is a stuck program or process that is preventing Windows Search from working properly.
In most cases, this can be fixed by shutting down the computer and reboot it back after 60 seconds.
2. Install updates
Another reason for Windows search not working is an update waiting to be installed on the computer.
Go to settings > Updates & Security > select windows update in the left pane. Check the right pane to see if an update is available.
If not, click Check for updates button and allow Windows to check for updates and install available updates on your computer.
3. Use the Windows troubleshooter
You can trust the built-in Windows Search and Indexing Troubleshooter on your computer to find and fix Windows Search problems.
Go to settings > Updates & Security > select Troubleshooting option in the left pane. In the right pane, scroll down and click Additional bug fixes.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click Search and Indexing and then click Run the troubleshooter.
From the Search and Indexing screen, select Files do not appear in search results and other articles that apply and click on the Next Button.
Follow the onscreen instructions as Windows tries to fix search and indexing issues on your computer.
4. Restart Windows Explorer
Right click on the beginning press and select task manager in the WinX menu. In the Task Manager screen, right-click Windows explorer and select that Start anew Possibility.
This will update and restart Windows Explorer on your computer. After that, try to use the search bar on your computer and see if it works now.
5. Restart the Windows search service
The problem that Windows 10 taskbar search is not working on your computer could be due to the Windows search service becoming corrupt or stuck.
Right click on the Start button and click To run. In the Run Command window, type services.msc and click OK.
On the Services screen, right-click Windows search and click Start anew.
Note: If you find that the Windows Search service is not running, click the beginning Possibility.
6. End the stuck Cortana search process
The problem that Windows search not working on your computer can be caused by Cortana being stuck on a task and unable to get out.
Right click on the beginning click and click task manager. On the Task Manager screen, switch to processes Tab > right-click cortana and select end task Possibility.
This will kill any task Cortana was trying to do and make it ready and available for the search feature.
7. Rebuild the Windows search index
In rare cases, the problem can be due to the search index being corrupted or corrupted. In such cases, you need to rebuild the search index, which is time-consuming.
Note: Deleting and rebuilding the Windows search index may affect the search experience on your computer until the search index is fully functional.
Go to settings > Seek > Permissions & History and click Browsing Windows link in the right pane.
On the Windows Browse screen. scroll down and click Advanced search indexing settings.
On the next screen, click the Progressive Button.
On the Advanced Options screen, click Rebuild Button.
Click on the confirmation popup OK to confirm and wait patiently for Windows to rebuild the search index on your computer.
8. Disable antivirus software
If the above solutions didn’t help, the problem might be with the antivirus software installed on your computer.
To confirm, disable the antivirus software on your computer and see if that helps to fix the Windows taskbar search issue.
If the problem is related to antivirus software, make sure you are using the latest version of the antivirus software program on your computer.
