Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working? 10 Proven Fixes to Try

The search bar in Windows 10 allows you to quickly find files, apps, documents, system settings, and even perform web searches directly from your desktop. You can use the Windows logo key + S shortcut to quickly open the search box. However, sometimes you may encounter a frustrating problem where the Windows 10 search bar stops working. Users report they can’t type in Windows search bar, it not respond to clicks, fails to display search results, or even freezes altogether. This issue can be caused by multiple factors, such as corrupted system files, disabled Windows services, outdated updates, or glitches in Windows Search indexing. Whatever the reason, if the Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working on your computer, here are multiple troubleshooting methods to fix and restore the search function.

Why Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working?

Windows search can fail due to software issues, a corrupt index, or disabled services.

• Windows Search Service Issues: The Windows Search service (wsearch) may be stopped, disabled, or corrupted, preventing the search index from functioning correctly.
• Corrupted Search Index: The search index, which stores information about your files for quick searching, may be corrupted, leading to incomplete or incorrect search results.
• Outdated or Corrupt System Files: Essential Windows system files needed for search functionality may be outdated or damaged.
• User Profile Corruption: A corrupt user profile can sometimes interfere with the normal operation of Windows features, including search.
• External Application Interference: Other applications or processes, like those encountered during gaming or system upgrades, can temporarily pause the search indexer.
• Outdated System: An older version of Windows might have bugs or integration issues with the search feature, results the Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working.

Quick Fixes for Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working

Restart Your Computer

Many times, the search bar stops responding due to a temporary glitch in background processes. Restarting Windows clears the memory, reloads services, and gives the operating system a fresh start.

• Click on the Start menu.
• Select Power > Restart.
• Wait for your PC to reboot and check if the search bar is functioning again.

Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer controls the desktop, taskbar, and Start menu, all of which are connected to the search bar. If Explorer crashes or hangs, the search bar becomes unresponsive. Restarting it refreshes the taskbar and restores search functionality.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Find Windows Explorer in the list.
• Right-click and select Restart.
• The screen may flicker briefly, and then Explorer reloads with a refreshed search bar.

Restart the Windows Search Service

Windows Search relies on a background service called WSearch. If this service is stopped or not running properly, the search bar won’t function. Restarting ensures the indexing engine is active.

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down to Windows Search. Right-click and select Restart.
• If this service is disabled, right-click then select Properties and set Startup type to Automatic.
• Apply changes and restart your computer.

Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that scans for common search issues such as indexing errors, service malfunctions, or permission problems, then applies fixes automatically.

• Press Windows + x, select Settings,
• Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
• Find Search and Indexing and click Run the troubleshooter.
• Select the problem type (e.g., “Files don’t appear in results” or “Search not working”).

Then click Next to continue, restart Windows after completing the troubleshooting process, and check if this helps.

Rebuild Windows Search Indexer

Windows Search relies on an indexing database that stores information about your files. If this database becomes corrupted, search results may not appear or the bar may freeze. Rebuilding the index forces Windows to create a fresh database.

• Open Control Panel (search for it in Start).
• Look for Indexing options, double-click on it
• Click on the Advanced button, then click on the Rebuild button under the Troubleshooting section.
• There is a notification window pops up and click OK to start rebuilding the index.

The Rebuilding process will take some time. Once it is done, close the window and restart your computer. The check Search function should work normally.

Run SFC and DISM Commands

Corrupted system files often break Windows Search. The System File Checker (SFC) scans and replaces missing/corrupted files, while DISM repairs deeper image-level issues in Windows. Together, they restore system integrity.

• Press Ctrl Key Shift Key + Esc Key to open Task Manager.
• Click File > Run New Task.
• Make sure you have a check mark beside “Create this task with administrative privileges”.
• Type “CMD” without the quotes and hit on Enter Key.

Run the following DISM restore health command

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After 100% complete the scanning process, type the following command to run the system file checker utility

sfc /scannow

Restart Windows after completing the scanning process and check if this helps to fix Windows search problems.

Create a New User Account

Sometimes, a corrupted user profile prevents search from functioning. Creating a new profile lets you check if the issue is account-specific. If the search bar works in the new account, your old profile may need repair.

• Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Click Add someone else to this PC.
• Create a new account with login credentials.
• Sign in to the new account and test the search bar.

Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases patches to fix search-related bugs. If your search bar issue started after a recent update, installing the latest cumulative update may resolve it.

• Open Settings with Windows + I.
• Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Perform a System Restore

If the search bar stopped working after a recent update, driver installation, or system change, a System Restore can roll back Windows to a previous stable state without affecting personal files.

• Type Create a restore point in the Start menu and press Enter.
• Select System Restore.
• Choose a restore point created before the issue began.
• Follow on-screen instructions to restore your system.

FAQs: Windows 10 Search Bar Not Working

Q1. Why does my search bar keep freezing in Windows 10?
This usually happens due to corrupted Cortana or indexing issues. Restarting Cortana or rebuilding the index can fix it.

Q2. Will rebuilding the index delete my files?
No, it only refreshes the search database. Your files remain safe.

Q3. Why does my search bar disappear completely?
This may be due to a bug after Windows updates or a disabled search service. Restarting Windows Explorer or enabling the Windows Search service usually helps.

Q4. Can I use Windows 10 without the search bar?
Yes, but it’s inconvenient—you’ll have to navigate manually. Fixing search is strongly recommended.

Q5. What if none of these fixes work?
If all else fails, consider doing a Windows repair installation or upgrading to Windows 11 for a cleaner, updated system.

Also read:

• Microsoft Windows Search Indexer high CPU usage 
• Windows 10 running slow after update? Here is how to fix it!
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• How to Optimize SSD (Solid State Drive) performance on Windows 10