Windows Search doesn't return results or won't open

Symptoms

• Search box doesn't open when clicked or produces no results
• Typing a known file or program name returns nothing
• Search may say 'no results' for things you know exist
• Search may work for some items (like apps) but not others (like files)

Likely causes

• CommonSearch index corrupted or incompleteWindows Search relies on a background index, and damage or an incomplete index causes missing or no results.
• CommonSearch service stopped or disabledThe 'Windows Search' background service needs to be running for the feature to work at all.
• PossibleSearch excluded from indexing specific folders or drivesIndexing settings might not include the location of the files you're searching for.
• PossibleCorrupted search-related system filesDeeper file damage specific to the search components can cause broader failures.
• Less commonRecent Windows update affecting the search featureCertain updates have introduced temporary search bugs on some systems.

What to do

1. Open Services (search isn't usable yet, so use Ctrl+Shift+Esc > File > Run new task > 'services.msc'), find 'Windows Search,' and confirm it's running and set to Automatic; start it if needed.
2. Go to Settings > Search > Searching Windows, and check 'Indexing status' to see if it's still building the index (which can take a while on first setup or after a large file change).
3. Under the same settings page, click 'Advanced search indexer settings' and confirm the folders/drives you expect to search are included.
4. Try rebuilding the search index: in Advanced search indexer settings, click 'Advanced,' then 'Rebuild' under the Index Settings tab; this can take a while to complete, especially with many files.
5. Restart the computer after rebuilding the index and test search again once it's had time to complete indexing.
6. Run 'sfc /scannow' to check for and repair corrupted system files related to search.
7. If search still returns no results after a full rebuild, try creating a new user profile to see if the issue is specific to your account's search settings.

When to call a pro

If rebuilding the search index and checking the service doesn't restore working search, a technician can investigate deeper indexing service or profile corruption.

Safety