Fix: Windows 11 search not working

If the search bar on your Windows 11 taskbar is not working, it is one of the most common problems that users experience and report. There are many simple ways you can fix this problem and this article shows how to go about with all of them. Here is how to fix Windows 11 search not working in your devices.

Fix: Windows 11 search not working

Option 1: Restart the PC

Simply click on the Power button in Star menu and select Restart.

This is the simplest yet probably effective solution you could try. Most likely, the issue will be resolved. If not, try the other fixes.

Option 2: Reset the PC

1. In the Settings application, go to System > Recovery.
2. Here, click on Reset PC button available against Reset this PC button.

3. You will be asked whether you want to keep your files, select that option when they ask.
4. Select Cloud Download when asked how you would like to reinstall Windows.

Now, simply follow the procedure to reinstall the entire system.

Option 3: Restart Windows Search

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Windows icon and then selecting Task Manager.

2. Go to the Details tab.
3. Find SearchHost.exe and right click on it. Select End task.

4. In the dialogue box that pops up, click on End process.

Option 4: Check for Windows updates

1. Open the Settings app and go to Windows Update.
2. Click on the Check for updates button in this page.

This will guide you to download and install latest updates if any in your device.

Option 5: Fix Windows 11 search not working using Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

1. In the Settings app, go to System. Here, find Troubleshoot and click on it.

2. Select Other troubleshooters.

3. Find Search and Indexing here and click on the Run button next to it.

Option 6: Fix Windows 11 search not working using Enhanced Indexing

1. Open the Settings app and go to Privacy & security.
2. Go to Searching Windows.

3. In the Find my files section, select Enhanced.

Windows 11 searches only through Documents, pictures, and music folders by default. With the Enhanced mode, that search will take place through the entire PC. This may also fix the problem at hand and is worth a try.

So, hope one of these solutions resolve the issue you are facing.