Windows 11 Search Bar Not Responding? Try These Simple Solutions

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to fix the Windows 11 search bar not working. In fact, many users have reported issues with the Windows 11 search bar not working properly, especially after the 23H2 update.

Here are some effective methods to fix search bar not working in Windows 11:

• Restart File Explorer

• Restart the Windows Search service

• Update graphics driver

• Check system errors and corrupt files

• Change taskbar alignment

• Check group policy settings

• Perform a System File Check (SFC)

Read the blog further, as this is just an overview of the methods. For detailed steps, continue reading. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons behind a non-functional search bar and provide effective solutions to get it working again.

Why is the Windows 11 Search Bar not working ?

Struggling with a non-responsive search box on your Windows 11 system? If your search button is not working, in this section, we will delve into the possible reasons why the Windows 11 search bar is not working and provide you with effective solutions to get your search bar back in action.

Indexing problems:

The search function in Windows is based on an index of files and folders. If this index is corrupted or incomplete, it can cause search problems.

• To address this issue, you should check if the indexing service is running and try to rebuild the index:

• First, press Windows key + R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

• Next, type services.msc and press Enter.

• Then, locate the Windows Search service, right-click on it and select Restart.

• After that, reboot your system. Subsequently, right-click on the service again and choose Properties.

• On the General tab, click Stop and then Start.

• Finally, go to the Advanced tab and click Rebuild in the Index Settings section.

Corrupt system files:

Additionally, corrupted or missing system files can cause search problems.

To resolve this issue, you can run the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair system files:

• First, open the command prompt as administrator.

• Then, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

• Next, wait for the scan to complete and follow the repair instructions.

• Moreover, if the SFC scan does not fix the problem, you may need to try other methods such as running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool or performing a clean boot.

Third party software interference:

• In addition, some third-party applications or antivirus software may interfere with the search function.

• Therefore, temporarily disable any third-party search tools, security updates, or security software to see if the problem persists.

Windows Updates

• Furthermore, make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes updates include fixes for search-related issues.

Cortana problems:

• Moreover, Cortana, the digital assistant, is closely linked to Windows Search. If there are problems with Cortana, it may affect search.

• Consequently, try disabling and re-enabling Cortana:

• First, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

• Then, locate the Cortana process, right-click on it and select End Task.

• After that, restart your computer and check if the search works.

Permissions and privacy settings:

• Finally, make sure that the search function has the necessary permissions to access files and folders.

• To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Search & Indexing and check the settings.

Also Check: How to record screen on Windows 11 ?

How to fix Windows 11 Search Bar not working ?

If your Windows 11 search bar is not working, don’t worry. For your convenience, first watch the video and then follow the steps mentioned below.

Here are some easy steps to fix it and get your search back to normal quickly.

Restart File Explorer

• Firstly, press Windows key + R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

• Secondly, type explorer.exe and press Enter.

• This will restart File Explorer, which may resolve the issue.

• Next, run the Windows troubleshooter:

• Then, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

• After that, go to System > Troubleshoot.

• Finally, click Search and Indexing and follow the on-screen instructions.

Restart the Windows Search service

• Firstly, press Windows key + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.

• Secondly, type services.msc and press Enter.

• Thirdly, in the Services app, double-click Windows Search.

• If the Startup status displays ‘Stopped’, simply click on ‘Start’, followed by ‘OK’.

• However, if the status is Running, right-click and select Restart.

Update graphics driver

• Furthermore, outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can sometimes cause problems.

• Then, visit your computer manufacturer’s website or graphics card manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers.

Check system errors and corrupt files

• Firstly, open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.

• Secondly, type cmd and press Enter.

At the command prompt, run the following command:

• sfc/scannow

After that, run the following command:

• dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

• Finally, restart your computer.

Change taskbar alignment

• Additionally, some users have reported success changing the taskbar alignment to “left.”

Check for Windows updates

• First, make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes updates include bug fixes that can resolve search bar issues.

• Second, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

• Finally, go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.

Rebuild the search index

• Firstly, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

• Secondly, go to System > Storage.

• Thirdly, click Advanced Storage Settings.

• Then, under Indexing Options, click Advanced.

• In last, click Rebuild and follow the prompts.

Reset Windows Search Settings

• First, press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

• Next, go to System > Troubleshoot.

• Then, click Additional Troubleshooters.

• After that, scroll down and click Search and Indexing.

• Finally, click Run the troubleshooter.

Check for interference from third-party antivirus

• Firstly, dome third-party antivirus programs may interfere with Windows Search.

• Secondly, temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software and check if the search bar starts working.

Create a new user account

Initially, sometimes user profiles can become corrupted.

• Initially, create a new local user account and see if the search bar works in the new account.

Check group policy settings

• First, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

• Then, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.

• Next, navigate to User Settings > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.

• Finally, look for search-related policies and make sure they are configured correctly.

Perform a System File Check (SFC)

• Firstly, open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.

• Secondly, type cmd and press Enter.

At the command prompt, run the following command:

• Then, type, sfc/scannow

• Finally, this will scan and repair any corrupted system files.

Remember to restart your computer after trying each method to see if the search bar starts working again.

If none of these solutions work, consider checking online forums for help with search tasks, troubleshooting broken search tools, and finding solutions for common search issues. You can also contact Microsoft support for further assistance.”

Also Check: How to use snipping tool on Windows 11 ?

Why Windows 11 Search Bar not working after update ?

Users reported the issue with Windows 11 search bar not working properly after Windows 11 23H2 update. Specifically, this update appears to have introduced a bug that affects search bar functionality, impacting search issues and search queries for some users.

Consequently, Microsoft is aware of these issues and will likely fix them in future updates or patches.

In the meantime, if you are experiencing this issue, follow below mentioned to fix Windows 11 search bar not working:

Restart your PC:

• Firstly, sometimes a simple restart can solve minor problems. Try restarting your computer and see if the search bar starts working again.

Check for pending updates:

• Initially, press Windows key + I to open Settings.

• Then, click Windows Update and then press Check for updates.

• Next, if there are pending updates, allow them to download and install them on your PC.

• Finally, once done, restart your PC to apply the changes.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM tool):

• Initially, type cmd in the Run dialog box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the command prompt as administrator.

At the command prompt, run the following commands:

• sfc/scannow

• dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

• After running these commands, restart your computer.

Check Windows Search Services

• First, press Windows key + R to open Run.

• Then, type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services application.

• Next, double-click Windows Search.

• If the startup status appears Stopped, click Start, and after that, click OK.

• However, if the status is Running, right-click and select Restart.

Taskbar alignment

Some users have reported that changing the taskbar alignment to “left” fixed the problem. You can try this:

• Firstly, right click on the taskbar.

• Secondly, go to taskbar settings.

• In last, under Taskbar Alignment, select Left.

If none of these solutions work, you may want to explore additional troubleshooting steps or consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you follow these simple steps, you should be able to get the Windows 11 search bar working again.

However, it’s good to remember that these problems, including issues with search indexing and the search troubleshooter, are quite common and can often be resolved with a little patience and the right troubleshooting methods.

Ultimately, if you ever find yourself facing an unresponsive search bar, feel free to come back to these tips for a quick fix. With these solutions at hand, you’ll be back to browsing your PC with ease and efficiency in no time.

Reference:

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)