Fix: Windows 10 Start Menu Search Not Working

by Sumit Sharma Digital Marketing Specialist

One of the most common issues in Windows 10 is the search function not working properly. The search feature is among the most used feature the users used to search for files, folders, documents, etc. It is used for various purposes like searching any drive or document quickly without entering system hard drive or external drive.

Sometimes, this Windows search feature becomes inactive or fails to respond. In this case, you need to troubleshoot this issue. If you do not know how then do not worry as we will help you out. Here are the steps on how to do so.

Fixing Search Issue by Using Troubleshooter

If you are facing issues with your Windows 10 search function, then you have to detect the issue and its respective reason. After that, you can fix the issue from the Settings application or the Command Prompt.

1. Fixing the Issue Using Settings

First of all, hit the “Settings” to launch.
After that, tap on the “Update and Security” option there.
Now, click on the option “Troubleshoot.”
Next, choose the option “Search and Indexing.” It is located under the option “Find and Fix other problems.”
Then, hit the tab, “Run the Troubleshooter.”
Now, identify the particular issue that causes the problem. For instance: Drive or folder are not showing in the searched results.
After that, hit the “Next” tab here.
Now, you have to follow the onscreen instructions there.

When you finish the instructions mentioned above, hopefully, your search function will work properly on your system once more.

2. Using Command Prompt to Fix the Search Issue

Follow these steps if you wish to use the Command Prompt to troubleshoot this issue:

First of all, tap Windows + R keys to launch the “Run” dialog box.
Then, you have to enter “cmd” and then tap on “OK.”
After that, you have to enter the given command path to expand your system’s troubleshooter tool and then hit the “Enter” key:

“msdt -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic”

Then, you have to tap on the “Advanced” tab.
Now, check the option “Apply repairs automatically.”
Next, tap on the “Next” tab there.
Then, you have to diagnose the issue creating the problem.
After that, tap on “Next.”
Now, you have to follow your onscreen instructions to proceed.

Once you complete these steps, then the troubleshooter and Search feature will identify the issue and then fix them as possible.

3. Troubleshooting Issue through Restart Option

First of all, you have to right-click on your device’s taskbar and then hit the option “Taskbar Manager.”

Note: You may also launch your “Taskbar Manager” through “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys or “Ctrl+Alt+Del” keys to choose the particular tool related to the “Taskbar Manager.”

After that, you have to hit the “Details” option.
Now, right-click on the option “SearchUI.exe” and then choose the tab “End task” and hit it.
Finally, hit the tab “End Process.”

4. Performing Reset to Troubleshoot the Issue

You can use the “Reset” function to troubleshoot this search issue on your Windows 10. In fact, it depends on your OS edition that you are using on your system.

5. Checking the System’s Windows 10 Edition

Firstly, you have to launch the “Settings” application on your device.
After that, hit the “Devices” option there.
Then, tap the option “About.”
Then, you have to detect your particular Windows 10 edition, then authenticate it thoroughly. It is located inside the section “Windows Specifications.”

6. Reset your Search Feature on Windows-10 Edition 1809

First of all, you have to tap on the “Start” button.
After that, right-click on the “Cortana” option located inside the “All Applications” listing.
Then, you have to choose the option “More.”
Now, tap on “App Settings.”
Hit the “Reset” tab there.

After finishing the above steps, your search feature located inside the taskbar will work smoothly.

7. Troubleshooting the Search Feature through Index Settings

You can perform the rebuilding task for the index database in order to troubleshoot the issue on your Windows 10.

Follow these steps to rebuild your search feature:

Firstly, launch “Settings.”
After that, hit the “Search” tab.
Next, tap on the option “Searching Windows.”

In case, you are running 1809 edition of your Windows 10, then follow these steps as an alternative method:

First of all, you can launch the “Control Panel.”
Then hit the menu “View by” located at the upper-right edge of your window.
Then hit the “Large icon” view-tab.
After that, tap on “Indexing Options” to proceed.
Click on the option “Advanced search Indexer Settings.”
Then, tap on the “Advanced” tab.
Now, you have to hit the option “Index Settings.”
Navigate to the section dedicated to troubleshooting and hit the “Rebuild” tab there.
Finally, hit the “OK” tab.

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8. Restart the Search Feature on Windows 10

Follow these steps if you wish to enable your search or indexing service:

First of all, press Window + R keys simultaneously in order to launch the “Run” dialog box.
After that enter the given command path and then hit the “OK” tab:

“Services.msc”

Then, go to the “Windows Search” service option and double-click on it.
Now, tap the “General” button.
Next, you have to use the menu “Startup type” and then hit the particular option “Automatic.”
Hit the “Start” tab.
Tap on “Apply.”
Finally, hit on the “OK” tab.

After finishing these steps, your Search feature will be activated, and you can search your desired result through the search bar.

9. Using Windows Update to Fix the Search Feature

To fix this issue by updating Windows 10, follow these steps:

First of all, you have to launch “Settings.”
After that, hit the option “Update and Security.”
Tap on the “Windows Update” option.
Now, go to the option “Check for Updates” and hit it.
Finally, tap on the “Restart Now” tab.

After finishing these steps, your system will remove harmful bugs and viruses and makes your system run faster. This helps in troubleshooting this issue.

10. Fixing Issue by Removing Installed Update

First of all, tap on “Settings.”
After that, hit the “Update and Security” option there.
Then, you have to tap on the “Windows Update” option.
After that, press the option “View Update History.”
Next, hit the “Uninstall Update” tab.
Now, you have to choose the recent update installed on your system.
Then, hit the “Uninstall” tab.
Now, tap on “Yes” for confirmation.
After that, reboot your device.

After finishing these steps, you will see that all the bugs have been removed from the system, and the search feature starts to work again.

Source : http://macfee-activate.com/fix-windows-10-start-menu-search-not-working/

Alex Smith is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cyber security. He writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs and websites.