How to fix Windows Search bar not working or returning no results

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Windows Search bar not working or returning no results. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When the Windows 11 Search bar stops working, it can be frustrating because it affects how you launch apps, find files, and access settings. Common symptoms include the search box failing to open, returning no results, showing only web results, or displaying an error message such as "Something went wrong." In most cases, the issue is caused by a corrupted search index, a stuck Windows Search service, or outdated system files. The steps below will walk you through resolving the problem from the quickest fix to more advanced troubleshooting.

Quick Fix Steps

Try these solutions first, as they resolve the issue for most users:

1. Restart your computer. A simple reboot often clears temporary glitches affecting the Search service.
2. Sign out of your user account and sign back in to reset the Search process.
3. Restart Windows Explorer: open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart.
4. Check for Windows updates by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
5. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then click Run next to Search and Indexing.

Detailed Instructions

Restart the Windows Search Service

The Windows Search service handles indexing and search queries. If it becomes stuck, search will stop working entirely.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate Windows Search.
3. Right-click it and select Restart. If the option is greyed out, choose Stop, wait a few seconds, then select Start.
4. Set the Startup type to Automatic if it is not already.
5. Close the Services window and test the Search bar.

Rebuild the Search Index

A corrupted index is one of the most common causes of search returning no results or incomplete results.

1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
2. Scroll down to Indexing status and click Advanced indexing options.
3. In the Indexing Options window, click Advanced.
4. Under the Index Settings tab, click Rebuild.
5. Click OK to confirm. Rebuilding can take some time depending on the size of your drive.

Check Indexing Locations

If your files are stored in a location that is not included in the index, Windows Search will not find them.

1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
2. Scroll to Find my files and choose either Classic or Enhanced.
3. Click Advanced indexing options and review the Indexed Locations.
4. Click Modify and ensure your user folders (such as Documents, Downloads, and Desktop) are ticked.
5. Click OK and then Close.

Run System File and Component Repairs

Corrupted system files can prevent Search from functioning. Windows includes built-in tools to repair them.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
3. Once finished, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Allow the process to finish, then restart your computer.

Re-register the Search Components

If the above steps have not resolved the issue, re-registering the Search-related packages can reset their configuration.

1. Open PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

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

3. Restart your computer when the command completes.

Troubleshooting

Search Bar Will Not Open At All

• Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look for SearchHost.exe. If it is running with high CPU usage, end the task and try again.
• Check for pending Windows updates, as Microsoft frequently releases fixes for Search-related bugs.
• Boot into Safe Mode to determine whether a third-party application or shell extension is interfering with Search.

Search Returns Only Web Results

• Open Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
• Ensure Search the web is toggled off if you only want local results.
• Verify that Cloud content search is configured to your preference.

Search Is Slow or Unresponsive

• Check available disk space on your system drive. Indexing slows down significantly when storage is low.
• Reduce the number of indexed locations in Advanced indexing options.
• Disable Enhanced indexing and switch to Classic mode if performance does not improve.

Search Stopped Working After a Windows Update

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history and uninstall the most recent update.
• Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter again after the update is removed.
• Check for a newer update that may include a fix, as Microsoft often re-releases corrected versions.

Related Articles

• Computer running slow
• Applications freezing or crashing
• Browser not loading pages
• Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps

Still Having Issues?