Symptoms
- Launcher (circle icon) doesn't open when clicked
- Search results don't appear while typing
- Launcher opens but appears empty
- Search key on keyboard doesn't do anything
Likely causes
- CommonTemporary glitch in the ChromeOS shell processThe launcher runs as part of a background process that can occasionally hang.
- PossibleSearch index needs rebuildingAfter installing many apps or files, the local search index can lag temporarily.
- PossiblePending update waiting for a restartSometimes UI elements behave oddly right before an update finishes installing.
What to do
- Try pressing the Search key (magnifying glass icon) directly instead of clicking the launcher icon.
- Sign out of your account and back in, which restarts the ChromeOS shell.
- Restart the Chromebook entirely if signing out doesn't help.
- Check Settings > About ChromeOS for a pending update and install it, then restart.
- Give the launcher a minute after a fresh restart before searching, in case it's rebuilding its index.
- If it's still broken after a restart and update, note when it started (after installing anything specific) as a clue for further troubleshooting.
When to call a pro
Not applicable; this is a software glitch typically cleared by a restart.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.