How to Fix Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working

If the Windows 10 search bar is not working for you, the issue is probably caused by a newly installed Windows update, interference from the Bing search tool, a halted Windows search service, or damaged system files. These are the most typical factors that might lead to this problem occurring.

After installing a problematic Windows update, the Windows search function will often cease providing results for searches, making it impossible for you to use. Nevertheless, you may correct it by clicking on the space on the Windows search page; however, this is not a long-term solution. To solve this problem once and for all, you need to follow this article in the order given.

[In Advance] Recover Your Data Before Your Windows Getting Worse

Windows 10 users may need to restart their operating system if the search bar stops responding or not working. Therefore, you should have the plan to recover deleted files. A data recovery program designed for Windows may be useful.

If you want to get rid of any bothersome background apps and delete any unnecessary files from your hard drive, resetting or restoring your PC to an earlier state is the way to go. When your PC is up and operating properly, you should first make a backup of any important data, particularly on the C drive.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the ideal tool for the job. Data recovery is its specialty, and it has helped millions of satisfied clients get their files back. Files lost on a hard drive may be recovered using the RAW format with the help of this dependable data recovery software. Since only EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard fully satisfies your needs, it is imperative that you quickly recover your files. Those who have accidentally deleted important data after doing a factory reset on their laptops may download this program and perhaps retrieve them.

Download EaseUS deleted data recovery software and follow a straightforward process to restore deleted data from a dead laptop or PC on Windows 10.

Why Is Windows 11/10 Search Bar Not Working

Following are some reasons why is windows 11/10 search bar not working:

Due to Windows 11's immaturity, flaws are to be anticipated. It is planned that Windows upgrades in the future will fix search problems caused by bugs.

It's also possible that the issue is psychological since some configurations might falsely indicate a failure. Since the Ctfmon.exe program controls the Office language bar and alternative your input, its absence may be to blame for the problem.

The Text Service Framework is a system service that deals with text input and the MaCtfMonitor monitors it. If the search bar is blank, the scheduled task MsCtfMonitor may have failed to start or become corrupted.

According to Microsoft, Cortana is a tool that helps us save time and pay attention to what's important. But if it fails, you may be unable to look for anything. The preinstalled software might get damaged or malfunction on occasion.

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How to Fix Windows 11/10 Search Bar Not Working

This part will tell you how t fix Windows 10 search bar not working problem. If one of the solutions does not work for you, you should try another solution since all of them be effective for impacted people in various situations. And here is a short video that can help you know how to do it. You can also check the highlights here:

1. 00:09 - Restart Search and Windows Explorer
2. 01:00 - Search and Indexing Troubleshooting
3. 01:49 - Reset
4. 02:20 - Closing

Fix 1. Restart Windows Search Bar

The first method to resolve this issue is by restarting the Windows search bar, following the steps below:

Step 1. You may restart the search service using the Services panel in Windows.

Step 2. To open the Run prompt, hit the Windows key plus R. enter services.msc and press the Enter key to proceed.

Step 3. Locate the Windows Search program. Restart it by right-clicking on it. You may try using the search again right now.

Step 4. Right-clicking a process allows access to its properties, where you may change its startup mode to "Automatic." After making these changes, remember to hit the Apply and OK buttons.

Fix 2. Rebuild Windows Search Index

You may also try rebuilding the Index if you're using Windows and have trouble with a search. Here are the measures you should take:

Step 1. To access the Run window, click the Windows key plus the letter R.

Step 2. Enter "Control Panel" and hit Enter to open the panel.

Step 3. Select Indexing Options from the menu that appears.

Step 4. Access the more complex settings by selecting the Advanced tab under Indexing Options.

Step 5. Navigate to the Troubleshooting menu and then choose Rebuild.

Step 6. If you get a warning that says something will take a long time, click OK.

Step 7. When rebuilding the Index is finished, you may restart your computer and ensure that the Search bar is functioning correctly.

Fix 3. Using the Troubleshooter

The Windows Indexing Services may be restored with the aid of the Windows Troubleshooter. Troubleshooters are helpful since they perform the hard work for you; run them and follow the instructions.

Step 1. Open the Control Panel using the Run prompt. For the Windows control panel, use the Windows key plus R and enter the control panel.

Step 2. Select System and Security under Troubleshooting. Next, choose Common computer issues and click it. A new window needs to load. Then, choose Search and Indexing and click the box labeled "Run the Troubleshooter."

Step 3. The troubleshooter should recommend using Administrator mode. Use the recommended adjustments.

Step 4. Confirm the persistence of the "Windows 10 search bar not working" issue.

Fix 4. Use SFC and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files may also cause Windows search to malfunction. The SFC command makes it simple to retrieve them from the cached version. System File Checker (SFC) is a command line tool for repairing and restoring broken system files. So, why not test it out by typing in the command:

Step 1. Choose New Task from the File menu after right-clicking the Task Manager.

Step 2. In the box provided, enter "cmd," then choose the "Create This Task With Administrative" checkbox.

Step 3. When ready to use the administrator's command prompt, click the OK button.

Step 4. Then, hit the Enter key after typing sfc /scannow.

Step 5. Upon completion of the verification, examine whether the problem has been fixed.

Fix 5. Check and Install Windows Updates

Microsoft often updates its software with new features, optimizations, and bug fixes. Installing the latest Update may fix the issue if you suspect a Windows flaw. Here's how to see whether there are any newer versions available and download them if you need to:

Step 1. To access Windows Update, press Windows + I to launch the Settings app and then choose the Update & security option on the left side.

Step 2. To check for updates, choose the corresponding option in the right-hand panel and click it. If they are located, it should immediately begin downloading them.

Step 3. Alternatively, you may use the Download button to initiate a manual download.

Final Thoughts

There are more than a dozen configurations and applications that may be accessed on our computer, and the Windows search function is the quickest method to go to any of them. When it suddenly stops operating, it's only reasonable to be concerned about what could happen next.

Windows 11/10 Search Bar Not Working FAQs

Here are 4 additional questions about Windows 10 search bar not working. Check here for the answers.

1. How do I reset the Windows search bar?

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter. This is the first step towards fixing Windows' search bar. Here's how:

Step 1. Click 'Update and Security' in Windows Settings.

Step 2. Click on the left sidebar. 'Troubleshoot,' 'Additional troubleshooters.'

Step 3. Click 'Search and indexing' then 'Run the troubleshooter.'

Step 4. A new window with choices appears. You may choose 'Can't search or view results' or 'Indexing search is sluggish.'

2. Why is my search bar not working?

Searching is required to utilize anything on your computer. The Windows Search bar lets you easily access File Explorer, programs, registries, and documents. The Windows 11 Search bar problem disables the bar, preventing typing. Windows 11's Start menu (with a new search box) may not react to clicks. No Shutdown or Restart buttons!

3. How do I restart search indexing?

Suppose you need to restart the Windows 10 search indexing service and type 'net start search' at a command prompt. You may retry the command if you get the 'The Windows Search service could not be launched' problem.

4. How do I reactivate my search bar?

Taskbar settings may be accessed by either pressing and holding (or right-clicking) the taskbar. Choose items from the taskbar to expand the section, then turn the Search switch to the 'On' position.