"Windows 11 Search Bar Not Working [Comprehensive Guide]"

What to Do First When Windows 11 Search Bar Is Not Working

When the Windows 11 search bar encounters issues, the operating system might occasionally crash, hence users should retrieve their deleted files in advance. For Windows users, a specialized recovery tool can be beneficial. Therefore, they can install the Data Recovery Wizard, a robust data recovery software. This tool is designed to aid in recovering lost information due to file system failures and infections.

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Important: To maximize the chances of data recovery, install the data recovery tool on a different disk from the original one where you lost the files.

Step 1. Launch the Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 computer. Select the disk partition or storage location where you lost data and click "Scan".

Step 2. The recovery software will initiate scanning the disk to locate all lost and deleted files. Upon completion of the scan, click "Filter" then "Type" to specify the lost file types.

Step 3. Preview and restore lost Windows files. You can double-click to preview the scanned files. Then, select the target data and click the "Recover" button to save them to another safe location on your PC or an external storage device.

How to Resolve the Windows 11 Search Bar Not Functioning

Wondering how to resolve the issue where the Windows 11 search bar isn't functioning? Before proceeding with the solutions, we'll provide a video for assistance. The key points of the video are as follows:

1. 0:15 - Restart your PC
2. 0:29 - Check for Windows updates
3. 0:45 - Run the troubleshooter to fix the Search bar in Windows 11
4. 1:06 - Restart the Windows Search service
5. 1:23 - Reset your PC

While resolving the issue with the Windows 11 or Windows 10 search bar not functioning, you can attempt several solutions. These range from a simple restart to modifying system settings and removing applications. Here are the top 8 fixes listed:

1. 1. Reboot your Windows PC
2. 2. Restart the Windows 11 Search Bar
3. 3. Use SFC and DISM Utilities
4. 4. Utilize the Windows Search Function
5. 5. Rebuild the Windows Search Index
6. 6. Check Excluded Folders
7. 7. Clear Your PC's Search History
8. 8. Check for and Install Windows Updates

1. Restart the Windows PC

Restarting your Windows 11 PC can resolve various issues with the system. A simple reboot will eliminate applications and background processes that might be hindering your search. To restart your Windows 11 PC, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press the Windows key + X to open the power user menu.

Step 2. Click on Shut down or Sign out.

Step 3. Choose Restart from the available options, and wait a few seconds for your Windows 11 PC to restart.

2. Restart the Windows 11 Search Bar

Upon booting up your PC, Windows 11 promptly initiates search services in the background. If the operating system fails to do so, the search functionality will not work. To restart the Windows 11 search bar, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press the Control + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager, and then click on the Details tab.

Step 2. Go to the Details tab.

Click on the 'Details' tab.

Step 2. Locate SearchHost.exe in the Name column. Right-click on it, and select End Task.

Step 3. Click on the End Process button when prompted to terminate SearchUI.exe.

3. Try SFC and DISM Utilities

Another effective method to fix the issue with the non-functional Windows 11 search bar is by running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools. Here's how you can quickly diagnose and recover corrupted files to resolve the problem with your search bar: 1. Press 'Windows key + X' on your keyboard and select 'Command Prompt (Admin)' or 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' if available. 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ``` sfc /scannow ``` 3. Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time as it scans and repairs any system file issues. 4. Once the SFC scan is finished, run the DISM tool by typing the following commands one by one, followed by pressing Enter after each: ``` dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth ``` 5. Again, wait for the DISM process to finish. It might also take some time as it checks and repairs the image integrity. 6. After both processes have completed, restart your computer. 7. Check if the Windows 11 search bar is now functioning properly. These tools will help identify and repair any corrupted system files that could be causing the search bar issue.

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run window. Then, type cmd in the window and click OK.

Step 2. Press the Enter key after typing DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the Command Prompt.

Step 3. After the DISM restoration process is complete, run the SFC program by typing SFC /scannow and pressing the Enter key. Restart your computer once finished.

4. Using the Windows Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

The Windows Search Troubleshooter assists in identifying and fixing issues within your Windows 11 PC. If you've recently encountered problems with the search bar, you can run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter, which is designed to detect and fix issues specific to Windows 11. Follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings and search for "troubleshooter settings" then go to "Other troubleshooters". Next, scroll down to find "Search & Indexing" and click the "Run" button next to it.

Step 2. Locate the boxes corresponding to the issues you've found, click the "Next" button, and Search & Indexing will diagnose and resolve the search problem.

Step 3. After that, you should be able to successfully fix the issue with your Windows search bar not working.

Click the "Close" button. (Note: This is a translation of the provided image description for accessibility purposes.)

5. Rebuild the Windows Search Index

Windows 11 relies heavily on a search index to provide quick results for your search queries. If there's a problem with the index, the Windows 11 search bar may cease to work properly. Fortunately, rebuilding the search index is not as complicated as it sounds. Here are the steps to take:

Step 1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app and choose "Privacy & Security".

Step 2. Go to the right panel, and choose "Search Windows."

Step 3. Scroll down to the bottom, and choose Advanced indexing options. This will open the Indexing Options window.

Step 4. Click on the 'Advanced' button at the bottom of the window. This window contains the 'Rebuild' option. Click on it.

Click the "Advanced" button. (Note: This is a description for an image, indicating that there's an option labeled "Advanced" on a graphical user interface, typically in a software or application, which users can click to access more sophisticated or detailed settings.)

Step 5. Click the "OK" button. The Windows 11 search bar should start working again after the indexing is rebuilt.

6. Check Excluded Folders

Windows 11 allows you to exclude any folder from its search results. If the directory containing one of your essential files or programs is not part of the Windows search results, you won't be able to view its contents. To proceed, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to "Privacy & Security" from the "Settings" menu, and then select "Search in Windows".

Step 2. You'll see a detailed list of excluded folders, such as "C:\Windows." If you can't find what you're searching for, check if the folder is on this list.

Step 3. You can quickly remove a file when any program folders or apps remain in an excluded folder.

7. Clear Your PC's Search History

It would be great to reset the Windows search history since this issue might stem from corrupted search data. Please follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the "Privacy & Security" menu in the Windows settings.

Step 2. Choose Search permissions.

Step 3. Choose the Clear device search history option to view and delete your browsing history.

8. Check for and Install Windows Updates

Windows 11 allows you to choose when and how to download the latest updates to ensure your system operates securely. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Choose Windows Update > Check for updates in the Windows settings.

Step 3. If any updates are available, they will be displayed on the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest updates.

Numerous users have validated the effectiveness of these solutions. If any of these methods prove helpful in resolving the issue with the non-functional Windows 11 search bar, kindly share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms!

Why Isn't the Windows 11 Search Bar Working?

The search bar in Windows 11 refers to the components you utilize to input search queries. Essentially, you type in the name of a file or application and then initiate the search. Much like the Spotlight Search on macOS, the Windows operating system also offers a search bar feature to locate your applications, files, and any other items on your computer. Now, what if this search bar suddenly stops functioning? You would be left with no choice but to search manually, which can be time-consuming.

Are you a Windows 11 user? When the issue "Windows 11 search bar not working" arises, you might find yourself unable to type the file name or application into its search bar. It could even become unresponsive, preventing you from searching altogether. However, the inability to type on your Windows 11 PC can stem from various factors, which you should be aware of:

Corrupted Text Service Framework System Service

The Text Service Framework system service, which manages text input, is responsible for overseeing this. If you're unable to type anything in the search field, it could indicate that the MsCtfMonitor scheduled task failed to start or has become corrupted.

Cortana Not Responding

According to Microsoft, Cortana is designed to help users save time and focus on what's important. However, when it becomes malfunctioning, you can't even type.

❌Windows 11 Update Errors

If the Windows 11 search bar is not functioning, the problem might be due to a recently installed Windows 11 update, interference from the Bing search feature, or corrupted system files.

Final Thoughts

The 8 solutions provided in this article should enable you to restore the functionality of your Windows 11 search bar. It's generally recommended that you create a backup of your laptop's most important documents before attempting any fixes. This will help prevent data loss in case of an unexpected issue. We suggest using a reliable file backup software liketools Data Recovery Wizard to back up your system.

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

Follow the FAQs mentioned below to better understand the topic:

1. How to repair the Start Menu search function in Windows 11?

To fix the Start Menu search function on Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

Translate the following text into English:
• Restart your PC.
• Open the Run dialog box.
• Restart SearchHost.exe.
• Modify the search settings to search for folders.
• Allow or restart the Windows search service.
• Recreate the Windows 11 search index.

2. Why does the Windows 11 search bar keep loading?

The issue might be due to not installing updates promptly. Occasionally, the search bar problem in Windows 11 can be fixed with a straightforward update and restart. To do this, press Win + I to open "Settings" on your Windows device. Then, navigate to "Windows Update" in the right-hand panel, and click "Check for Updates."

3. How do I restart search indexing?

Press the Windows Key + S to open Search, then choose Indexing Options. From there, click on Advanced. Under the Troubleshooting tab, you'll find the option to Rebuild. A message may appear stating, "Rebuilding the index might take some time to complete."

4. How do I fix a frozen search bar?

It can become exacerbated when your Windows 11 Start Menu or Search Bar is frozen. Reinstalling the Cortana application can fix a frozen Start Menu.