In this article, we describe you in detail that how to fix windows search not working issue. Windows 10, Windows Search is an crucial function that allows you to locate virtually anything on your computer (such as records, pictures, videos, system files, applications, emails, and setups) really quickly. Likewise, thanks to its combination with Bing search, you can use the feature for quick accessibility to web pages and response to typical questions from the outcome sneak peek. Although search is a helpful performance that we consider provided each day, it’ll come the moment when it’ll quit working as intended.
For example, often, search inquiries will reveal none or insufficient outcomes. The search box in the taskbar will certainly transform unresponsive or will not open up whatsoever, and also more. Whatever the factor it might be, if you’re having problems with windows search not working on Windows 10, there are several troubleshooting actions you can comply with to deal with the most usual concerns, consisting of when your device obtained a buggy upgrade that breaks the experience.
How to fix windows search not working
windows search not working reddit, we’ll stroll you via the steps to troubleshoot as well as fix issues with the search function on your gadget.
Remove Bing from Windows 10 Search
Taking into account the recent windows search not working concerns where nothing is shown in the bar or home window, numerous have discovered a fix by disabling Bing integration. This does need dealing with RegEdit, so doing a back-up of both your PC and also its computer registry are advised.
As soon as you have actually performed any required back-ups, go through these steps to obtain neighborhood Search working again. Internet outcomes will certainly not present while Bing is impaired. Numerous people here at Windows Central have done the very same actions with success.
- Hit the Windows Key + R shortcut on your keyboard.
- Type regedit and hit Enter on your keyboard.
- Double-click HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
- Double-click SOFTWARE.
- Double-click Microsoft.
- Double-click Windows.
- Double-click CurrentVersion.
- Double-click Search.
- Right-click the right pane of the RegEdit window to bring up the menu.
- Click New.
- Click D-WORD (32-bit) Value.
- Type BingSearchEnabled and hit Enter on your keyboard.
- Double-click the BingSearchEnabled entry you just created.
- Type 0 in the Value data field. (It should already be 0 but make sure).
- Click OK.
- Double-click CortanaConsent.
- Type 0 in the data field.
- Click OK.
- Restart your PC.
This ought to bring Windows 10 Search back on the internet, at least with regional outcomes. This fix is for a short period of time while Microsoft addresses the core root of the trouble, as well as it’s suggested that customers undo the adjustments once Search is working once more as planned.
To reverse the process over, repeat steps 13 and 14, but type a 1 in the BingSearchEnabled information area to re enable Bing. The same can be done for actions 16 and also 17, with a 1 in the CortanaConsent information area. Reboot your PC as well as you should be back where you began.
How to fix search using Troubleshooter
If you’re having issues searching on windows search not working as well as reactivating your device does not resolve the issue, after that you can utilize the Troubleshooter settings to diagnose as well as fix the most usual problems. And you can do this job from the Settings application or Command Trigger
Repairing search with Settings
To fix the search functionality with the Settings app, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Troubleshoot.
- Under the “Find and fix other problems” section, select the search and Indexing option.
- Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
- Check the problems that best describe your situation — for example, Files don’t appear in search results option.
- Click the Next button.
- Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).
Once you complete the steps, the search feature should start working again on your computer.
Repairing search with Command Prompt
Alternatively, you can also start the Troubleshooter using Command Prompt:
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type the following command and click the OK button:
cmd
- Type the following command to launch the troubleshooter and press Enter:
msdt -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic
- Click the Advanced option.
- Check the Apply repairs automatically option.
- Click the Next button.
- Check the problems that best describe your situation.
- Click the Next button.
- Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).
After you complete the steps, the Search and Indexing troubleshooter will scan and fix the most common problems with the feature.
How to fix search using restart option
You can also reactivate the Windows 10 procedure that controls the search components utilizing these steps:
- Right-click the taskbar and select the Task Manager option.
- Quick tip: Alternatively, you can open Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut or using the Ctrl + Alt + Del shortcut and selecting the Task Manager item.
- Click the Details tab.
- Right-click the SearchUI.exe process and select the End task button.
- Click the End process button.
Once you complete the steps, the process should restart automatically. If it doesn’t restart immediately, reboot your computer, and then confirm if the search has been fixed.
How to fix search using reset option
If windows 10 search not working registry fix still not working on Windows 10, then you may be able to fix the problem by resetting the feature. However, the reset process will depend upon the version of the OS currently installed on your computer.
Checking Windows 10 version
To determine the version of Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Devices.
- Click on About.
- Under the “Windows Specifications” section, confirm the version of Windows 10.
After you complete the steps, you’ll know the version of Windows 10 running on the computer.
Reset search on Windows 10 version 1903
If your device is running Windows 10 version 1903, May 2019 Update, then to reset the search feature, use these steps:
- Open Microsoft Download center website.
- Click the Download button under the Reset Windows search PowerShell script section.
- Save the .ps1 file to your computer — for example, in the “Downloads” folder.
- Right-click the Start button, and select the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.
Quick tip: Alternatively, you can also open PowerShell using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut, typing the PowerShell command, and using the Ctrl + Shift + Enter shortcut to trigger the command as administrator.
- Type the following command to determine current script execution setting and press Enter:
Get-ExecutionPolicy - Confirm the execution policy — for example, Restricted.
- Type the following command to allow scripts to run on your device and press Enter:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted - Type Y and press Enter (if applicable).
- Type the following command to run the script and press Enter:
& "C:\Users\YOUR-ACCOUNT-FOLDER\Downloads\ResetWindowssearchBox.ps1"
In the command, make sure to replace “YOUR-ACCOUNT-FOLDER,” for your account folder name.
- Type R and press Enter.
- Type the following command to set the original execution policy the script and press Enter:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Restricted
In this example, the Restricted option was added, because it was the original setting. If you had a different policy, make sure to change it before running the command.
- Type Y and press Enter.
Once you complete the steps, search should start working as before.
Reset search on Windows 10 version 1809
If your device is running Windows 10 version 18069, October 2018 Update, or an earlier release, then to reset the search feature, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Right-click Cortana from the “All apps” list.
- Select the More option.
- Click the App settings option.
- Click the Reset button.
After you complete the steps, the reset process should fix the problem, and the search box in the taskbar should work as expected.
How to fix search using Index Settings
The indexing feature can also trigger troubles that can avoid returning search engine result on your tool. If you have actually attempted all the previous directions, you can attempt rebuilding the index data source to fix search issues on windows search service not running windows 10.
To rebuild the search index on your device, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Search.
- Click on Searching Windows.
- Quick tip: If you’re using Windows 10 version 1809 or earlier, open Control Panel, click the View by menu in the top-right corner, and select the Large icons view, and click the Indexing Options to continue.
- Click the Advanced search Indexer Settings option.
Quick tip: In the case that search does not return results for contents from a particular folder, it’s also a good idea to check the “Excluded Folders” section as search will ignore the contents of any folder in this list. If the folder you want to search is part of the excluded list, select it, and click the Remove button.
- Click the Advanced button.
- Click the Index Settings tab.
- Under the “Troubleshooting” section, click the Rebuild button.
- Click the OK button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will clear and rebuild the index database. However, while the database is rebuilding, searches from the taskbar, File Explorer, and across the OS might be incomplete until all the files are indexed again.
Restarting Windows Search
In the rare case that you see searches without results, and you can’t access the Indexing settings, then the Windows Search service may be disabled on your computer.
To enable the indexing and search service, use these steps:
- Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Type the following command and click the OK button:
services.msc - Double-click the Windows Search service.
- Click on the General tab.
- Use the “Startup type” menu and select the Automatic (Delayed Start) option.
- Click the Start button.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, Windows Search will enable on your computer, and you should be able to start searching for files and apps for taskbar and File Explorer again.
How to fix search using Windows Update
On windows search not working, quality updates can include fixes for the search functionality, but they can also be the reason for the feature to break.
Fixing search installing update
If you haven’t updated Windows 10 for a while, perhaps the latest update may include a fix for Windows Search.
To update Windows 10 to the latest release, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
Click the Check for updates button.
- Click the Restart now button.
After you complete the steps, the latest maintenance update should resolve any search problems on your computer.
Fixing search removing update
Although Microsoft strives to release updates to improve the overall experience of Windows 10, sometimes a buggy update may do its way onto devices breaking features, such as search.
If you suspect that a recent update is the reason that windows search not working search is broken, then use these steps to remove it:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the View update history option.
- Click the Uninstall updates option.
- Select the latest update installed on your computer.
- Click the Uninstall button.
- Click the Yes button.
- Restart the device.
Once you complete the steps, the problematic update will be removed from Windows 10, fixing any search problems, and the same update shouldn’t download and install automatically until the company releases a follow-up release.
