How to Fix Windows Search When It Stops Working

When Windows Search Stops Working

The search box in Windows is supposed to help you find files, apps, and settings quickly. When it stops working, it can be frustrating.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Restart Windows Explorer

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Find Windows Explorer in the list
• Right-click on it and select Restart
• Try searching again

Restart Your Computer

A simple restart often fixes search problems:

• Save your work
• Click Start > Power > Restart
• Wait for your computer to fully restart
• Try searching again

Rebuild the Search Index

Windows keeps an index of files to make searching faster. Sometimes this index gets corrupted.

How to Rebuild the Index

• Open Settings (press Windows key + I)
• Go to Privacy & Security (or Search in older versions)
• Click Searching Windows
• Scroll down and click Advanced indexing options
• Click Advanced
• Under Troubleshooting, click Rebuild
• Click OK and wait (this may take several hours)

Check Windows Search Service

The Search service needs to be running:

• Press Windows key + R
• Type services.msc and press Enter
• Find Windows Search in the list
• Right-click and select Restart
• If it says Stopped, right-click and select Start

Run the Search Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for search problems:

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Go to System > Troubleshoot
• Click Other troubleshooters
• Find Search and Indexing and click Run
• Follow the prompts

Check for Windows Updates

Search problems can be caused by bugs that Microsoft has fixed:

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Go to Windows Update
• Click Check for updates
• Install any available updates
• Restart your computer

Alternative Ways to Find Things

While search is broken, you can still find things:

Finding Apps

• Click Start and scroll through the app list
• Look for the app in the taskbar or desktop

Finding Files

• Open File Explorer (Windows key + E)
• Navigate to the folder where your file might be
• Use the search box in File Explorer (this uses different search than the Start menu)

Finding Settings

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings
• Use the search box within Settings

When to Contact IT

Contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au if:

• None of these fixes work
• The problem keeps coming back
• You need to find important files urgently
• Your computer seems slow as well

Need Help?

For persistent search issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.