Windows 10 Search Not Working – Five Simple Solutions

As great as modern technology is, it has been known to be temperamental at times. When it’s working, modern technology is great. When it isn’t doing what it’s supposed to, it can make life a great deal harder than it needs to be.

Take computers for example. If one day, you find Windows 10 search not working, using your computer will be a lot harder. Not to mention a lot more stressful. Unfortunately, your Windows key not working is a fairly common issue with Windows search.

The search bar in Windows 10 is a useful tool for a variety of different functions. Whether you’re searching for files or folders or simply looking to update the latest application or adjust your settings, your search bar is designed to make life much easier. Sadly, there have been times when users have encountered problems with the search bar, or, have even found that it’s stopped working completely.

If you’ve found Windows 10 search not working on your computer, try any of these 5 quick fixes.

1. Restart Your Device

At the risk of sounding patronizing, if you have found your Windows key not working, you could try restarting your computer.

It may sound like lazy advice, but often the simplest fixes are the most effective. Restarting your computer is a quick and easy way of removing any temporary glitches and resolving a frozen taskbar.

We won’t insult your intelligence by telling you how to restart your device, but if you find the Windows 10 search not working on your device, a simple restart will often resolve your issue and have the search bar working once more.

2. Restart Windows Search

If you’ve found that the search bar on your device has suddenly stopped working, for no obvious reasons, a simple solution could be to restart Windows Search.

To end the Windows 10 search function (SearchUI.exe), simply follow the steps listed below. Once you do that, the next time you use the search function you should find it working again.

Begin by selecting ‘ctrl’ + ‘alt’ + ‘delete’, followed by ‘Task Manager’.
Next, in ‘Task Manager’ select ‘Details’.
Now, in the ‘Name’ column, you should right-click on the ‘SearchUI.exe’ process, before clicking on ‘End Task’.
Once the device prompts you to end the ‘SearchUI.exe’ process, click on ‘End Process’.

The next time you go to use the Windows 10 search bar it should now be working.

3. Reinstall Windows 10

If you’ve tried the fixes listed above and still aren’t having any luck, another possible solution would be to reinstall Windows 10.

Now, there are several ways of doing this, but they say simplicity is key, so here is the simplest solution.

Begin by going to ‘Settings’ and clicking the ‘Reset this PC’ option.
Next, click on ‘Update and Security’.
Now, you should select ‘Recovery’ followed by ‘Get Started’.
You should now be able to reinstall Windows 10.

4. Run Windows Search Troubleshooter

For those who are still not having any luck when trying to get the search bar on Windows 10 to work, the Windows Search Troubleshooter is a great alternative.

This in-built troubleshooter can be very effective because it’s designed to help diagnose problems and then provide step-by-step instructions to carry out the fix. You’ll also be pleased to know that running the troubleshooter couldn’t be easier.

First, open up the ‘Start’ menu and then click on ‘Settings’.
Now, click on ‘Update & Security.’
You should now select the ‘Troubleshoot’ button.
Scroll down until you see ‘Search and Indexing’ and then select it.
Finally, click ‘Run the Troubleshooter’ and follow the on-screen instructions to carry out the diagnostics.

Once you’ve done this, the troubleshooter will then work its magic and will begin scanning your computer. If it encounters any possible causes of the search bar not working, it will try to resolve them automatically.

5. Rebuild Windows 10 Search Index

Finally, if you’ve tried the fixes listed above and still find the Windows 10 search not working, you could try rebuilding the Windows 10 Search Index.

Initiating the process is very simple, but be aware that it could take some time, especially with devices with large volumes of data on their systems. Once complete, however, it should have resolved any issues relating to your search bar.