Windows Search Bar Not Working in Windows 11: Causes & Easy Fixes

For many Windows users, the Windows Search bar is the most crucial application. If you are using a Windows 11 device, you see this feature disabled and the Windows search bar not showing. In reality, the Windows Search bar not working is the most common issue for people who have upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11. There is no reason for the upgrade to be disabled. Therefore, our solutions range from quick, simple fixes to more complicated troubleshooting techniques to resolve the Windows search bar not working.

Common Reasons Why Windows Search Bar Is Not Working

Several factors can cause the Windows search bar not working, including:

• Corrupted system files
• Buggy or incomplete Windows updates
• Windows Search service not running
• Indexing issues
• Conflicts with third-party apps
• Temporary system glitches after upgrade from Windows 10

How to Fix Windows 11 Search Bar Not Working

There are several things to fix the Windows Search bar not working. It can range from a simple restart to editing the system settings and removing apps. Below are the top eight solutions:

1. Enable Search Button on Taskbar

If the Windows search bar not showing on Windows 11, the search function has been merged into the Taskbar options. First, you must determine if your Search menu is disabled.

• If you’re unable to use the search function anymore, click the right-click icon on the taskbar, and you’ll see an option called “Taskbar settings.” Click it.
• The new “Settings” window will open as shown below.
• You can enable the “Search” Taskbar item if it was removed after an update to Windows 11.

Try using the search function on your Windows 11 device again. If that doesn’t work, follow the next steps.

Also read: Spotify Search Not Working? Fix It in 5 Minutes

2. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, an update and restart within Windows 11 is all you require to fix the Windows search bar not working problem.

• Navigate to “Settings” on your Windows PC by pressing Win + I.
• From the right-side menu, choose “Windows Update -> Check for Update”.
• Check your device for scheduled updates.

If you have a problem with Windows updates, you can block automatic Windows updates on your PC.

3. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows devices come with an integrated troubleshooter that can handle all major and minor issues. Using the search and indexing troubleshooter can fix the Windows search bar not working for most users. Follow these steps:

• Go to “Settings -> System -> Troubleshoot”.
• Select “Other Troubleshooters.”
• Select “Run” next to “Search and Indexing.”
• Take a moment to wait for “Search and Indexing” to find the problem.

You will see “Search and Indexing” populating the issues because search results aren’t being displayed. Select all that are applicable, particularly “Can’t start a search or see results.”

It can be helpful to explain the issue in detail.

The troubleshooter will determine the issue. Windows search isn’t working. The fix is to resolve the issue by logging in as an administrator. Click here to continue.

Take a few minutes (or minutes) for “Search and Indexing” restarts the Windows search application to fix the issue.

The message will inform you that troubleshooting is complete. The troubleshooter will make adjustments to your system, and you will notice green checkmarks next to every type of problem with search, signifying that Windows Search is working on your device.

The most frequent issues with search that can be solved using the troubleshooter are “Incorrect permissions on Windows Search directories” and “Windows Search is not working.”

If the Windows troubleshooter fails to fix the Windows search bar not working issue, try these tweaks for minor issues below.

4. Restart the Windows Search Service

When your Windows search bar is stuck without reasons, restarting the service can solve the issue.

• “Services” by clicking “Services” from the Run menu by using the keyboard shortcut Win + R.
• Scroll down until you locate “Windows Search.”
• Right-click to start it again.

Windows will now try to shut down the Windows search service on your device. Take a moment to wait to see if this service restarts on your device. After that, your search button will work again.

5. Fix Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service

Your search bar is not working because of errors within your “Touch Keyboard,” which is linked to your Windows search bar. Windows devices come with the ability to free up”Touch Keyboard” “Touch Keyboard”.

• Go to the “Services” dashboard, and select “Touch keyboard and handwriting panel service.”
• Double-click it, or right-click on “Properties.”
• In”General,” click on the “General” tab, change the “Manual” default startup type to “Automatic.”
• Click on the “Recovery” tab and set “Subsequent failures” to “Restart the service”.
• In the meantime, you should modify your “Reset fail count after” variable from “1” to “0.”
• Go back to the “General” tab and press the “Start” button.

This will fix the Windows search bar not working issues. If you don’t find the Start button greyed out, proceed to the next option.

Also read: How to Fix Video Scheduler Internal Error in Windows 10/11

6. Enable and Clear Search History

If you place your mouse in your search bar, you’ll be able to view your most recent search history. This is a crucial option in the menu that is missing, and your search results won’t be displayed. Ensure that this option is enabled.

• Go to the “Settings” menu, as described above.
• Visit “Privacy & Security -> Search permissions.”
• Check that “Search history on the device” is on.
• Click on “Clear device search history.” Restart the Windows 11 PC, and verify whether the search bar error disappears.

7. Check Excluded Folders in Search Settings

Windows 11 and 10 allow the user to exclude any directory from search results. If the folder that contains the most essential files or applications is removed from Windows search results, you aren’t allowed to see the information within the folder.

• From “Settings”, go to “Privacy & Security -> Searching Windows”.
• You’ll find a complete list of folders that are not allowed, like “C:\Windows.” If whatever you’re searching for isn’t available by search, then you need to check whether that folder is included in this list.

If one of your program applications and files is in an exclusions folder, you can remove it at a later time by pressing the three dots next to the folder and choosing “Remove”. You can also make an exclusion directory.

8. Reset Your Windows 11 PC

If none of the steps above are performed, you should reboot the device to Windows 11. Of course, you could try this at first, but as it’s the longest procedure, we recommend it as a last resort. This is the only alternative.

• In the Windows 11 Settings menu, GO to “System -> Recovery -> Recovery Options -> Reset this PC” and click”Reset PC.”
• Select either “Keep your files” or “Remove everything.” Even if you select the second option, you should take a backup of all data on your Windows.
• Wait a few minutes for the process to complete.

There are two choices to install Windows: “Cloud download” and “Local reinstall.” Choose the former option, as the local reinstall can replicate the same bug, particularly if you upgraded Windows 10.

• The additional settings page will appear. Simply click “Next” to proceed.

You may see a notification that your computer was recently upgraded. When you perform a reset, you’ll not undo this. You can bypass this message by clicking “Next”. This essentially means that you can stop using Windows 11’s settings system for “go back” to Windows 10.

• Then, click “Reset”.

If you’d like to review the list of applications that will be removed in the reset. It is possible to reinstall them.

Relax and wait for your Windows 11 device to reset as it prepares the system and downloads the updates. The device will restart automatically following this, and no additional intervention is required on the user’s end.

The entire reset process can take a few hours or a day, based on the device. Connect it to the internet. After the reset, it will be able to search for devices. The Windows 11 search bar will work again.

Final Thoughts

In this article, these eight solutions to fix the Windows Search Bar not working in Windows 11. It is recommended to make backups of your most important files on your laptop before trying any solution. An unexpected scenario, this can assist in preventing data loss.

FAQs: Windows Search Bar Not Working