Windows search does not work

Possible solutions

Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.

1. Reloading the search process

   Restart your computer and check if the Start search itself opens.

   Steps to follow

   1. Save your documents and select Restart from Start > Power.
   2. After logging in, press Start and type the name of a known program, such as Notepad.
   3. If it opens, check the file result index separately. If the search itself does not respond, proceed to the service and system check.

2. Fixing indexing

   If only file results are missing, check the indexed folders and rebuild the index if necessary.

   Steps to follow

   1. Search for "Indexing Options" in Start or Settings; a Control Panel search is available.
   2. Open the included places viewer and check if the folder you need is indexed.
   3. If the results are still false, under the Details section, select index recovery if the option is available.
   4. Wait for the indexing to finish and search for a known file; this may take time and does not fix Start search not opening.

3. System or service check

   If search doesn't open at all, check its service and system status, not just the index.

   Steps to follow

   1. Windows+R type services.msc and Enter.
   2. Find Windows Search in the list and see its status; Do not change settings controlled by your organization.
   3. If the service is clearly stopped on the PC, use its Start option if it allows it and check the search.
   4. If it shows an error or stops again, write down the message and check for Windows updates or system files instead of constantly changing service startup types.