Windows search bar not returning results or not opening
Windows Search is broken because it's disabled or its index is corrupted. Restarting the search service fixes this. If you're searching for files newer than a few days, they're not indexed yet - Windows Search only finds files in indexed folders.
Windows Search relies on a background index of your files. When this index gets corrupted or the search service stops running, you get no results. We'll restart the search service, let Windows rebuild its index, and make sure search is enabled. This fixes 90 percent of cases in under 10 minutes.
- ✓Have at least 30 minutes of time - rebuilding the index takes 15-30 minutes the first time
- ✓Make sure your hard drive isn't almost full (search doesn't work well with low storage)
- ✓Stay at your computer while these steps run
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Thinking files are lost when they're just not indexed yet - Windows Search only finds files in folders it's set to search
- Not waiting long enough for the index to rebuild - the first time can take 30 minutes or more
Signs you need professional help
- If your search bar is still not working after restarting the service and rebuilding the index, give us a call and we'll check if something else is disabling search on your computer.
Book a technician
We can fix most issues remotely in 15 minutes. Book your weekend slot and we handle the rest.
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