The Windows 10 Start Menu search is a powerful tool, allows users to quickly locate apps, files, settings, and system features. With regular Windows updates, Microsoft diligently fine-tunes this feature, enhances its performance and addresses any glitches that may arise. Yet, even with these efforts, sometimes you may experience Start Menu or Taskbar Search Not Working or Start Menu Search not showing results. A few Users report Windows 10 start menu search not working after update. Corrupted System File, Third-party Software Conflicts, Corrupted User profiles or problems with search indexing are common. Whatever the reason here is how to fix the problem and restore the Start Menu Search function on Windows 10.
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Windows 10 Start Menu Search not working
There are several factors cause the Start Menu Search function not working on Windows 10. Here are some of the common reasons:
- Windows relies on an index to quickly search for files and applications. If this index becomes corrupted or incomplete, it can lead to search problems.
- If the Windows Search service is disabled or not running, it will prevent the search function from working.
- System files that are essential for the proper functioning of Windows, if for some reason these files get corrupted, can lead to issues with the Start Menu search.
- Sometimes, third-party software or utilities can interfere with the search function, causing it to malfunction.
- While Microsoft frequently releases updates to address issues, sometimes these updates can inadvertently introduce new problems, including those related to the Start Menu search.
- Problems with your user profile can affect various aspects of your Windows experience, including the search feature.
Restart Windows Explorer
Restarting Windows Explorer essentially refreshes the graphical shell, which can help clear minor glitches or temporary issues, that might causing Windows 10 search not working after update.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager
- Scroll down in the Task Manager window to find “Windows Explorer” under the list of running processes.
- Right-click on it and select the restart option.
Restarting Windows Explorer can often help resolve issues related to the Start menu search or other system functionalities.
Restart Windows Search Service
Restarting the Windows Search Service can often resolve issues related to the Start menu search.
- Press Win + R to open the “Run” dialog.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
- In the Services window, scroll down to locate “Windows Search” in the list of services.
- Double-click on “Windows Search” to open its properties.
- In the “Windows Search Properties” window:
- Ensure that the “Startup type” is set to “Automatic.”
- Check the “Service status.” It should be “Running.”
- If the service status is not “Running,” click the “Start” button in the properties window to start the service. If the “Startup type” is not set to “Automatic,” you can change it from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
This tool is designed to identify and fix common problems related to the search functionality and indexing process. Running the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter can help identify and resolve common problems with the search functionality, including issues related to the Start Menu Search
- Press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
- Select Update & Security In the left-hand pane, click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on additional troubleshooters, locate Search and Indexing and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter. It will scan for issues and provide prompts on how to proceed.
- After the troubleshooter has completed its process, restart your computer.
Rebuild the search index
Rebuilding the search index essentially refreshes the database used by the search function. This can be particularly effective if the index has become corrupted or incomplete, which can lead to issues with the Start menu search.
- Press Windows key + R, type control panel and click ok
- In the Control Panel, set the view to “Small icons” then Click on Indexing Options.
- Click on the Advanced button, then click on the Index Settings tab.
- Under the “Troubleshooting” section, click on the Rebuild button.
A confirmation window will appear. Click OK to confirm that you want to rebuild the index.
Allow the indexing process to complete. This may take some time depending on the size and complexity of your system. Once the process is complete, you’ll see a message indicating that indexing is complete. Click Close to exit the Indexing Options window and restart your PC. Now check if the Windows start menu and taskbar search function properly.
Install Windows 10 updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and improvements to system functionalities. Installing the latest updates ensures that your system has the most recent fixes and improvements, which can potentially resolve issues with various functionalities, including the Start Menu Search.
- Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
- Select “Update & Security” then click on “Check for updates.”
- If new updates are available, allow them to downlaod and install them on your computer,
- Once done restart your computer to apply the changes.
Repair corrupt system files
When crucial system files are damaged or missing, it can lead to various system functionalities, including the Start Menu Search, not performing as expected. Corrupted system files can indeed be one of the reasons why the Start Menu Search function may not be working properly in Windows 10.
Running tools like the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) can help identify and repair these corrupted files, ultimately restoring the functionality of the affected features.
- Press Windows key + R, type cmd and press Control + Shift + Enter to open the command prompt as an administrator
- First, run the DISM restore health command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Next, run the system file checker utility sfc /scannow
- Allow the scan to complete. It may take some time, once done restart your computer.
Create a New User Profile
If the user profile is corrupted or misconfigured, it can lead to various issues, including problems with system functionalities like the Start Menu Search. Creating a new user profile effectively starts afresh, bypassing any corruption or misconfiguration that may have been present in the old profile.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Under “Other users,” click “Add someone else to this PC” and follow the prompts to create a new user.
- Log in with the newly created user account.
- Copy essential files, documents, and settings from the old user profile to the new one.
Or you can Open the Command prompt as the administrator run the following command to create a new user account on Windows 10.
net user Username password / add
Note Replace username with newly create user account and replace password: set password for the user account.
Look For Virus malware infection
If your system is infected with viruses or malware then this can prevent doing certain tasks and block the search results. For this cause Install an antivirus with the latest update and perform a full system scan.
Use a reputable antivirus program to scan and remove any detected malware or viruses.
Disable or uninstall recently installed third-party applications. Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Programs” > “Programs and Features.” Locate the recently installed applications, right-click, and choose to uninstall.
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