Fixing Windows Search Not Working on Windows 10/11 Tutorial

Windows search is a vital feature that helps users find apps, files, and system settings quickly. If it’s not working, it can seriously hamper your workflow. This guide walks you through a few proven methods to fix Windows search not working on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Whether the search box or icon has disappeared, or the search feature itself isn’t functioning, we have a solution for you. Stick around for the final method, which guarantees to resolve your issue if the previous methods fail.

Fix Windows Search Not Working Windows 10/11

Key Takeaways

  • Restart Windows Search services and ensure they are set to automatic.
  • Use Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt to run system scans and repairs.
  • If all else fails, reinstall or update Windows using the ISO method to fix lingering search issues.

Step 1: Ensure Windows Search is Enabled on the Taskbar

Enable search icon on the taskbar in Windows 10.

If the search box or icon isn’t visible on your taskbar, it could be disabled. To enable it:

  1. Right-click on an empty space on your taskbar.
  2. Hover over the Search option.
  3. Select either “Show search icon” or “Show search box.”

If the search box or icon remains unresponsive after enabling it, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan & DISM Repair

SFC scan running.

Running an SFC scan can fix corrupt system files that might be causing your search function to malfunction.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow

    This will initiate a system scan. Let it complete—this can take a few minutes. If corrupt files are found, the system will automatically repair them.
DISM repair running.

Once the SFC scan is complete, it’s a good idea to also run the DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) command to ensure that your system image is intact. Type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands will check for any issues with your Windows image and repair them as needed. This process may take some time, so be patient while it completes.

SFC and DISM commands completed successfully.

After running both the SFC scan and the DISM commands, you should see a message indicating whether any issues were found and repaired.

Step 3: Use the CTFMon Shortcut Fix

ctfmon file in System32 folder.

CTFMon is a file that controls Microsoft’s alternative user input services, which can impact the search feature.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
    C:\Windows\System32
  2. In this folder, search for “CTFMon”.
  3. Right-click on the CTFMon file and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
  4. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
  5. Type the following command and press OK: shell:startup
  6. Drag the CTFMon shortcut from your desktop into the Startup folder. This ensures CTFMon will automatically run when you start your PC.
ctfmon - Shortcut copied to Startup folder.

Step 4: Restart Windows Search Services

Restarting Windows Search service and setting Startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start)

If your Windows search service isn’t running properly, restarting it might resolve the issue.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Scroll down and locate Windows Search in the list of services.
  4. Double-click on Windows Search to open its properties.
  5. Ensure that the Startup type is set to Automatic (Delayed Start) or Automatic.
  6. If the service status shows Stopped, click Start, then Apply and OK.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restarting Windows 10 PC.

After completing the above steps, restart your computer. This ensures that any system file repairs and service changes are applied properly. Right-click the Start menu, select Shut down or sign out, then click Restart.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Windows 10/11 Using ISO

Windows 10 in-place upgrade screen.

If none of the previous methods resolve your issue, you may need to update or reinstall Windows using the ISO method, even if you’re running the latest version. This method allows you to keep your files and apps while repairing any underlying issues with the Windows search feature.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to update or reinstall Windows using an ISO file. This guarantees a clean installation and can often resolve stubborn issues that other methods can’t.

Conclusion

By following these steps, your Windows search should be working again on Windows 10/11. From running system scans to managing services, these solutions cover the most common causes of search issues. If all else fails, reinstalling or updating your Windows system via ISO should resolve the problem.


FAQs

1. Why is my Windows search not working?

Your Windows search might not be working due to corrupt system files, disabled services, or incomplete system updates. The methods in this guide should help you fix these issues.

2. Can I fix Windows search without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, you can often fix Windows search by restarting the Windows Search services, running a system scan, or ensuring the CTFMon process is running.

3. Will running an SFC scan harm my system?

No, running an SFC scan is safe. It checks for and repairs corrupt system files that could be causing issues like search malfunctions.

4. What happens if I reinstall Windows using the ISO method?

Reinstalling Windows using the ISO method allows you to repair your system while keeping your files and apps intact. This is a last-resort method if other fixes don’t work.

5. How can I prevent Windows search from breaking again?

Regularly updating Windows, avoiding unnecessary software installations, and keeping your system files in good condition by running occasional SFC scans can help prevent search issues.

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