How to fix Search bar not working in Windows 10?

Question

Issue: How to fix Search bar not working in Windows 10?

My search bar in File Explorer is not working and has been for a while. I am not quite sure when that happened, I just learned to live with it, but it is definitely very annoying. I have a bunch of files in one of the folders that I frequently use – and I know that they are there. Every time I search for something, it simply says that nothing was found. Is there anything that could be done about this?

Solved Answer

File Explorer is a simple yet effective built-in component in Windows 10 operating system. While not perfect, it can be customized relatively easily and can be a great help when trying to find files or folders on your computer. Just like any other component on the system, it might malfunction, and it happened to many users for years – the search bar not working, i.e., the search feature broken.

This can be a particularly frustrating issue, as finding files and folders are often essential when using a Windows PC. There are several instances of how oh when this problem occurs, so let's go over them:

  1. Unable to use Search at all. Many reported that the cursor doesn't even show up when they click on the search bar, and nothing can be typed.
  2. Partial functionality. The search function works but only finds a limited number of files or no files at all.
  3. No functionality. Users are constantly getting the “No items match your search” notification
  4. SearchUI.exe (SearchApp.exe) is missing.

Many users said that they started experiencing problems after a Windows update was installed. It is not the first time a Windows update breaks certain functions[1] or features to many (for example, the Start menu). In other cases, it could be that search-related services are not running, the file was moved, the directory is not indexed, etc.

How to fix Search bar not working in Windows 10?

It is true that alternative, third-party applications can be used for search purposes, but it is not an adequate way to fix search bar issues. Luckily, there are several ways that should help you resolve this frustrating situation.

Below you will find several fixes, although keep in mind that what works for one individual might not work for the other, so you might have to go through several methods before one works for you. If you want to try resolving this problem quickly, we recommend you scan your PC with FortectMac Washing Machine X9 repair software.

Fix 1. Run Windows Search troubleshooter

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

The very first thing you should do is run the troubleshooter[2] – it should be able resolve the very simple problems related to search and indexing:

  • Right-click on Start, and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot
  • Click Additional Troubleshooters if you can't see them on the right
  • Scroll down and select Search and Indexing
  • Click Run the troubleshooter Use Windows Update troubleshooter
  • Apply the suggested fixes.

Fix 2. Repair corrupted system files

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.
  • Press Win + R on your keyboard to call up the Run dialog
  • Type in cmd.exe into the box
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard
  • When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
  • Once Command Prompt opens, type the following command, and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  • Wait for the scan to complete. If successful, restart your device; if SFC returned an error, use the following command line (press Enter to initiate it):
    dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  • After it's done, reboot the PC. Use SFC and DISM

Fix 3. Rebuild Search Index

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

Windows indexes common locations on your computer, such as Drive C or Documents folder. However, if you have multiple drives or/and disks (SSD/HDD)[3] available on your device, the contents of these might not be indexed automatically. Thus, you should initiate the indexing of additional places as follows:

  • Press Win + R, type in Control Panel and press Enter
  • On the top-right corner, click on View by option and select Small icons
  • Pick Indexing options Access Control Panel
  • Here, pick Modify
  • Mark the locations that you want to be indexed and click OK (you can also use Show all locations at the bottom-left of the window if you can't see the location you are looking for) Select the locations to be indexed
  • Next, in the Indexing Options window, click Advanced
  • Click Rebuild under Delete and rebuild index. This might take awhile, depending on how large your drives are. During the rebuilt process, you might not be able to use the search bar or receive incomplete results
  • Finally, click OK and exit all the windows. Rebuild index

Fix 4. Enable Windows search service

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.
  • Press Win + R on your keyboard, type services.msc and press Enter
  • Scroll down to locate Windows Search
  • If it is running already, right-click and select Restart
  • If the service is not running, double-click it and select Automatic under Startup type Restart Windows search service
  • Finally, click Start, Apply, and OK.

Fix 5. Restart Windows search process

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

If SearchUI.exe/SearchApp.exe is missing, proceed with other solutions.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager
  • Click Mode details (if required)
  • Go to Details tab
  • Here, scroll down until you find SearchUI.exe or SearchApp.exe (depending on your Windows version)
  • Right-click on the process and select End task Restart Windows search process
  • The process will restart automatically next time you use your search.

Fix 6. Reset/repair Windows search

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.
  • Click Start and find Cortana in the Start menu
  • Right-click on it and go to More > App settings
  • Scroll down and click Terminate
  • Click Repair and wait till it's done – try using Search again
  • If that did not help, use the Reset feature. Reset Search

Fix 7. Check File Explorer options

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.
  • Press Win + E to open File Explorer and go to View tab at the top
  • Click Options > Change folder and search options
  • Go to Search tab
  • Tick the Always search file names and contents option Check File Explorer settings
  • Click Apply and OK.

Fix 8. Reset Windows

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

If none of the solutions below helped you fix a broken Search bar, you should reset Windows. You won't lose your personal files while doing so.

  • Right-click on Start and pick Settings
  • Go to Update & Security section and select Recovery
  • Under Reset this PC, pick Get Started Reset your PC
  • Select Keep my files and Cloud download Reset Windows
  • Wait till the process is complete – your PC might restart several times.

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Prevent websites, ISP, and other parties from tracking you

To stay completely anonymous and prevent the ISP and the government from spying on you, you should employ Private Internet Access VPN. It will allow you to connect to the internet while being completely anonymous by encrypting all information, prevent trackers, ads, as well as malicious content. Most importantly, you will stop the illegal surveillance activities that NSA and other governmental institutions are performing behind your back.

 

Recover your lost files quickly

Unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time while using the computer: it can turn off due to a power cut, a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) can occur, or random Windows updates can the machine when you went away for a few minutes. As a result, your schoolwork, important documents, and other data might be lost. To recover lost files, you can use Data Recovery Pro – it searches through copies of files that are still available on your hard drive and retrieves them quickly.

 

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate computer expert

Gabriel E. Hall is an expert troubleshooter who has been working in the information technology industry for years.

Contact Gabriel E. Hall
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