How to Fix Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working

Windows 10 search bar not working or missing, is a known issue in Windows Search.

What’s causing this? We will examine the possible reasons and provide straightforward fixes so you can quickly return to your productivity or online activity.

What is Windows 10 Search Bar?

The search bar in Windows 10 is a handy tool for quickly finding files, folders, applications, and settings on a computer. However, some users have encountered issues where the search bar stops working correctly, rendering it unable to provide accurate results or simply failing to respond. This can be frustrating and hinder productivity.

Fortunately, you can take several troubleshooting steps to resolve this problem and get your search bar back in working order.

Why Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working?

When the Windows search bar stops working, it’s usually due to a simple software issue. Often, a restart can resolve the problem. Other potential causes include network issues or interruptions in the search system itself.

Through various operating system updates, the Windows 10 search tool has changed its integration with Cortana and File Explorer. These changes can sometimes lead to glitches, but many are easily fixable.

According to Microsoft, Cortana is designed to save time and focus on essential tasks. However, if Cortana malfunctions, it can hinder your ability to search for items. Occasionally, the preinstalled software may become damaged or malfunction.

Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working Solutions

Restart Windows Font Cache Service

Sometimes, the Windows Font Cache service can cause conflicts with the search function. To resolve this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter to open the Services window.
3. Locate the “Windows Font Cache Service” in the list.
4. Right-click on it and select “Restart.”

After restarting the service, try using the search bar again to see if the issue is resolved.

Restart the Windows Search Bar

If restarting the Font Cache Service doesn’t work, you can try restarting the Windows Search service itself:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter to open the Services window.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and locate the “Windows Search” service in the list.
4. Right-click on the “Windows Search” service and select “Restart.”

Check and Install Windows Updates

Sometimes, issues with the search bar can be resolved by ensuring that your Windows 10 operating system is up-to-date. So, always make it a habit to check and install Windows updates.

Follow these steps to check for updates:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
2. Select “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

Microsoft regularly releases updates to address known issues and improve functionality, so keeping your system updated is crucial.

It is also imperative to Invest in a third-party one-PC solution like Fortect, which examines and stabilizes every functionality of your Windows PC, including your search bar.

Fortect examines and repairs crashed programs/apps and stabilizes every aspect of your Windows PC, ensuring that features like the search bar function properly. Interruptions often occur due to Windows updates, but Fortect’s stability repair can address these issues, restoring and maintaining your Windows 10 performance.

Download and install Fortect now and say goodbye to any interruptions and inconsistencies with Windows features.

Rebuild the Windows Search Index

If the search bar fails, you can rebuild the Windows Search Index. This process refreshes the search function’s index to locate files and data on your system. 

Here’s how:

1. Type “indexing options” in the search bar
2. In the Indexing Options window, click on “Advanced.”
3. Select the “Rebuild” option.
4. Click “OK” to confirm and allow the process to complete.

Rebuilding the index may take some time, depending on the amount of data on your system, but it can often resolve persistent search bar issues.

Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to diagnose and resolve issues with the search and indexing features. To run this troubleshooter:

1. Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”
2. Select “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Troubleshoot” in the left pane.
4. Scroll down and select “Search and Indexing.”
5. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will scan for and attempt to fix any issues it detects with the search and indexing components.

Conclusion

A non-functioning search bar can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can often resolve the issue and restore full functionality. By restarting services, checking for updates, rebuilding the search index, and utilizing the built-in troubleshooter, you can get your Windows 10 search bar back in working order and enjoy the convenience of quickly locating files, programs, and settings on your computer.