How to Troubleshoot the Non-Functioning Windows 10 Search Bar

If the Windows 10 search bar is not functioning, the issue is likely due to a recently installed Windows update, interference from the Bing search tool, a stopped Windows Search service, or corrupted system files. These are the most common factors that could cause this problem.

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Upon installing a problematic Windows update, the search function often stops delivering results, rendering it unusable. However, a temporary fix is to click on the blank space within the Windows search page, but this is not a permanent solution. To resolve this issue conclusively, please follow the steps outlined in this article sequentially.

[In Advance] Recover Your Data Before Your Windows Situation Worsens

Windows 10 users might encounter an issue where the search bar becomes unresponsive or stops working. In such cases, it's advisable to restart the operating system. It's crucial to have a plan to recover deleted files, especially if they're important. A data recovery software specifically designed for Windows can prove to be quite helpful in these situations.

If you wish to eliminate pesky background apps and delete unnecessary files from your hard drive, resetting or restoring your PC to a previous state is the recommended approach. When your PC is functioning properly, it's crucial to back up any important data first, especially that on the C drive.

Data Recovery Wizard Pro is the perfect solution for this task. Specializing in data recovery, it has assisted countless satisfied users in retrieving their lost files. This reliable data recovery software enables the restoration of files lost on a hard drive, even those in RAW format. It is crucial to use tools Data Recovery Wizard to promptly recover your files as it perfectly meets your requirements. If you have unintentionally erased vital data after performing a factory reset on your laptop, you can download this software to potentially recover those files.

Download data recovery software for deleted files and follow a simple process to restore lost data from a non-functional laptop or PC running Windows 10.

Why is the Windows 11/10 Search Bar Not Working?

Here are some reasons why the Windows 11/10 search bar might not be working:

Owing to the immaturity of Windows 11, issues are expected. It is anticipated that future Windows updates will address search problems resulting from bugs.

It's also possible that the issue is psychological, as certain settings might incorrectly signal a failure. Since the Ctfmon.exe program manages the Office language bar and alternative input methods, its absence could be the cause of the problem.

The Text Services Framework is a system service responsible for text input management, and the MaCtfMonitor monitors its operations. If the search bar appears empty, it could indicate that the scheduled task MsCtfMonitor failed to启动 or has become corrupted.

According to Microsoft, Cortana is designed to assist us in saving time and focusing on what matters most. However, if it encounters issues, you might find yourself unable to search effectively. Occasionally, the pre-installed software might become damaged or malfunction.

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How to Troubleshoot the Non-Functional Windows 11/10 Search Bar

This section will guide you on how to resolve the issue with the non-functional Windows 10 search bar. If one solution doesn't work for you, proceed to the next one, as each has proven effective for users in different scenarios. Below is a brief video demonstrating the process, and you can also find key points summarized here:

1. 00:09 - Restart Search and Windows Explorer
2. 01:00 - Search and Indexing Troubleshooting
3. 01:49 - Reset
4. 02:20 - Closing

Fix 1: Restart the Windows Search Bar

The first approach to resolving this issue is by restarting the Windows Search Bar, which can be done by following these steps:

Step 1. You can restart the search service using the Services panel in Windows.

Step 2. To open the Run prompt, press the Windows key and R simultaneously. Type "services.msc" in the dialog box and then press the Enter key to continue.

Step 3. Find the Windows Search program. Restart it by right-clicking on it. Try using the search function again now.

Step 4. Right-clicking on a process enables you to access its properties, where you can alter its startup mode to "Automatic." After making these modifications, remember to click the Apply and OK buttons.

Fix 2: Rebuild Windows Search Index

If you're using Windows and experiencing issues with search, you can also attempt to rebuild the Index. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. To open the Run window, press the Windows key and the letter R simultaneously.

Step 2. Type "Control Panel" and press Enter to open the panel.

Step 3. Choose Indexing Options from the menu that appears.

Step 4. Access more complex settings by selecting the Advanced tab under Indexing Options.

Step 5. Go to the Troubleshooting menu and select Rebuild.

Step 6. If you see a warning that something will take a long time, click OK.

Step 7. Once the indexing process is complete, restart your computer and verify that the Search bar is working correctly.

Method 3: Utilizing the Troubleshooter If the previous methods haven't resolved your issue, you can try using the built-in troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the problem. Here's how: 1. **For Windows Users:** - Press the `Windows key + I` to open Settings. - Click on `Update & Security`. - Select `Troubleshoot` from the left sidebar. - Scroll down and find the relevant troubleshooter for your issue (e.g., Internet Connections, Printer, etc.). - Click on it and then choose `Run the troubleshooter`. - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. 2. **For Mac Users:** - Click on the Apple menu and select `System Preferences`. - Choose `Software Update` to ensure your macOS is up to date. - If there's no update available, click on `Apple menu` again and select `About This Mac`. - Click `System Report`, then navigate to the appropriate category (e.g., Network, Printers & Scanners, etc.). - Find the troubleshooter related to your issue and click `Run Diagnostics`. - Follow the prompts to resolve the problem. 3. **For Android Users:** - Go to `Settings` on your device. - Tap on `System`. - Select `Advanced` or `Additional settings` (depending on your device). - Choose ` troubleshooters` or `Device Assistants`. - Find the relevant troubleshooter for your issue (e.g., Internet, Battery, etc.). - Run the troubleshooter and follow the steps provided. 4. **For iOS Users:** - Open the `Settings` app on your iPhone or iPad. - Tap on `General`. - Scroll down and select `Transfer & Reset`. - Choose `Reset` followed by `Reset All Settings`. - Note that this will reset all settings to default but not delete any data or apps. Remember, each troubleshooter is designed to identify and fix common issues specific to its category. If the troubleshooter doesn't solve your problem, you may need professional assistance or further troubleshooting steps.

The Windows Indexing Services can be restored using the Windows Troubleshooter. Troubleshooters are useful because they do the hard work for you; simply run them and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 1. Open the Control Panel using the Run prompt. To access the Windows Control Panel, press the Windows key plus R, and then type "control panel" in the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Under Troubleshooting, select System and Security. Following that, choose Common computer issues and click on it. A new window should appear. Next, select Search and Indexing, and then click the box labeled "Run the Troubleshooter."

Step 3. The troubleshooter should recommend running in Administrator mode. Apply the recommended settings.

Step 4. Verify if the "Windows 10 search bar not working" issue persists.

Fix 4. Utilize SFC and DISM Utilities

Corrupted system files can also lead to Windows search malfunctions. The SFC command allows you to easily retrieve them from the cached version. System File Checker (SFC) is a command-line utility designed to repair and restore damaged system files. Hence, give it a try by typing the following command:

Step 1. Select "New Task" from the File menu by right-clicking on the Task Manager.

Step 2. In the provided box, type "cmd," then select the "Create This Task With Administrative Privileges" checkbox.

Step 3. When ready to use the administrator's command prompt, click the OK button.

Step 4. After typing sfc /scannow, press the Enter key.

Step 5. After the verification is complete, check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 5: Check and Install Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates for its software, incorporating new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. If you suspect that a problem is due to a Windows glitch, installing the latest update could resolve the issue. To check for and download any available updates, follow these steps: 1. Press the "Windows key + I" on your keyboard to open the Settings app. 2. In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security." 3. On the left side of the Update & Security screen, select "Windows Update." 4. On the right side, click the "Check for updates" button. Windows will now search for any available updates. 5. If updates are found, they will be listed, and you can choose to install them by clicking "Download" or "Install now." The system may prompt you to restart your device to complete the installation process. Follow these steps, and your system should be up to date with the latest fixes and improvements.

Step 1. To access Windows Update, press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and then select the Update & security option on the left panel.

Step 2. To check for updates, select the relevant option in the right-hand panel and click on it. If any updates are found, they should start downloading immediately.

Step 3. Alternatively, you can use the Download button to start a manual download.

Final Thoughts

There are over a dozen configurations and applications that we can access on our computer, and the Windows search function is the quickest way to reach any of them. It's only natural to worry when it suddenly stops working, as it disrupts our efficiency.

"Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-Functional Windows 11/10 Search Bar"

Here are 4 more queries regarding the non-functional Windows 10 search bar. Find the solutions here.

1. How do I reset the Windows search bar? To reset the Windows search bar, follow these steps: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu to open an elevated command prompt. 2. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: ``` reg.exe import "C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings\Settings.reg" ``` 3. A message will appear asking if you want to merge the settings. Confirm by typing "Y" and pressing Enter. 4. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 5. After your computer restarts, the Windows search bar should be reset to its default settings. Note: This process may vary depending on the version of Windows you're using. If you encounter any issues, ensure that you have administrative privileges before executing the commands.

Windows has an integrated troubleshooter that can assist in resolving issues with the search bar. Follow these steps to use it: 1. Press the "Windows key + I" to open the Settings app. 2. Click on "Update & Security." 3. In the left pane, select "Troubleshoot." 4. Scroll down and click on "Search and Indexing." 5. Click on "Run the troubleshooter" under the Search and Indexing option. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any problems with the search bar. This built-in tool may help identify and rectify any issues related to the Windows search functionality.

Step 1. Click on 'Update & Security' in Windows Settings.

Step 2. Click on the left sidebar, then select 'Troubleshoot' and then 'Additional troubleshooters.'

Step 3. Click on 'Search and indexing,' then select 'Run the troubleshooter.'

Step 4. A new window with options will appear. You can select 'Can't search or view results' or 'Indexing search is slow.'

2. Why isn't my search bar functioning properly?

Searching is essential to access anything on your computer. The Windows Search bar enables you to quickly reach File Explorer, programs, registries, and files. The issue with the Windows 11 Search bar is that it becomes disabled, making it impossible to type. In Windows 11, the Start menu (featuring a fresh search box) might not respond to clicks. Consequently, you won't find any Shutdown or Restart options!

3. How do I restart search indexing? To restart the search indexing on your device, follow these steps: For **Windows**: 1. Press `Win + X` keys to open the Quick Link menu. 2. Click on "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open an elevated command prompt. 3. Type `net stop "Windows Search"` and press Enter to stop the search service. 4. Next, type `net start "Windows Search"` and press Enter to start the search service again. For **macOS**: 1. Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." 2. Click on "Spotlight." 3. Click on the "Privacy" tab. 4. Drag the entire hard drive icon into the Privacy list, then remove it immediately. This will force Spotlight to re-index the entire system. 5. Close the "Spotlight" preferences. For **iOS** or **iPadOS**: 1. Open "Settings." 2. Tap on "Siri & Search." 3. Scroll down and tap on "Stop Using Siri." 4. Wait for a moment, then tap on "Use Siri" again to re-enable it. This will initiate a new indexing process. 5. Restart your device for good measure. For **Android**: 1. Open "Settings." 2. Tap on "Apps & notifications" or "App Manager." 3. Scroll down and find "Google App," then tap on it. 4. Tap on "Storage." 5. Tap on "Clear Cache" and then "Clear Data." Note that this will also clear your Google app settings. 6. Restart your device. After restarting the indexing process, it may take some time for your device to re-index all content, especially if you have a large library or many files. Be patient, and your search functionality should return to normal.

Suppose you need to restart the Windows 10 search indexing service and type 'net start search' in the Command Prompt. If you encounter the issue 'The Windows Search service could not be started,' you may attempt to run the command again.

4. How do I reactivate my search bar? To reactivate your search bar, follow these steps: 1. **For Desktop/Laptop:** - If you're using a web browser, ensure that you're on a website or platform that has a search bar feature. - Check if the search bar is simply hidden or minimized. On many websites, you can find it by looking at the top-left or top-right corner of the page. - If it's not visible, try resizing your browser window or reloading the page. - If the issue persists, clear your browser's cache and cookies. Here's how to do it in popular browsers: - Google Chrome: `Settings` > `Privacy and security` > `Clear browsing data`. - Mozilla Firefox: `Options` > `Privacy & Security` > `Clear Data`. - Safari: `Preferences` > `Privacy` > `Manage Website Data`. - After clearing, restart your browser and visit the website again. 2. **For Mobile Devices:** - If you're using an app, make sure it's up to date. Go to your device's app store and check for any available updates. - If the search bar is missing within the app, try force-closing and reopening the app: - iOS: Double-click the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom on iPhone X and later) to view recently used apps, then swipe up on the app to close it. - Android: Press the Recent Apps button (usually located on the bottom right or top left), find the app, and swipe it away. - If the issue continues, uninstall and reinstall the app. - For mobile web browsers, follow the same steps as for desktop browsers to clear cache and cookies (usually found in the browser's settings). 3. **Browser Extensions/Ad Blockers:** - Some browser extensions or ad blockers might be blocking the search bar. Disable them temporarily to see if they're causing the issue: - Google Chrome: Click the three dots in the upper-right corner > `More tools` > `Extensions`. - Mozilla Firefox: `Three lines` (top right) > `Add-ons and themes` > `Extensions`. - Safari: `Safari` menu > `Preferences` > `Extensions`. If none of these solutions work, contact the website or app's support team for further assistance.

Taskbar settings can be accessed by either pressing and holding (or right-clicking) on the taskbar. From there, select the items to expand the section, and then toggle the Search switch to the 'On' position.