Ways to fix search problems in Windows 10

The Search feature comes under the umbrella of essential features of Windows 10. It is presented in the taskbar. The search box allows you to find anything on your computer quickly. After integrating with Bing, you may also search online for any queries.

Although the search has very useful functionality, this feature isn't popular among users. They have, however complained about problems with it. This happens because of the current updates done by Microsoft for Windows 10. When your search box unexpectedly stops working for you, these are the ways to fix search problems in Windows 10.

Let's get started!

Ways to fix search problems in Windows 10

By restarting the Search Box

This is a simple and effective tool to repair your search box. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Select Task Manager by clicking on the taskbar.
2. When the Task Manager window appears, select Details.
3. Next, right-click SearchUI.exeand after that, choose End task.
4. Then click on End process.

The search process will automatically restart whenever you use the search feature after completing the steps mentioned above. In case this doesn't work, try out the next solution.

By restarting your device

This is the most basic and effective way to fix the malfunctioning of any feature, and you can give it a try to repair Windows search. Follow these steps:

1. Press Alt+f4
2. Select Restart
3. Then press Ok

Now your system will restart and bring back all the functions of Windows search. If this doesn't work, try the next solution.

By Resetting Windows 10 Search

If your device is still having a problem with the search option. Try resetting the search. But before doing that, first, check the version of installed Windows because the reset process depends on it.

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Open Settings
3. Then select System
4. "About" has appeared at the bottom of the screen; click on it to open it.
5. Then, check the version stated under the heading "Windows Specifications."

Upon completing the above steps, you'll be aware of the version running on the system.

1. Windows 10, Version 1809 and Earlier

If the system you are using is installed with a model/version of 1809, an update of October 2018, or an earlier release, follow the below steps to reset the Windows search.

1. Select the Start button.
2. Then right-click on Cortana from the "All apps" list.
3. Click on the More option.
4. Then select the option "App settings."
5. At the end, click on the Reset button.

Once you have completed the steps above, the search will start working as before.

1. Windows 10, Version 1903 and Later

If the system you are using is installed with the model/version of 1903, updated May 2019, then follow the steps below:

Note: Administrator permission is required to complete the process.

1. First, you are required to download the file by clicking on the link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/100295.

Then save the downloaded file to the local folder

2. Check the saved file and choose Run with Power Shell
3. Then, the system asks for permission; choose "Yes."
4. If an error appears on your screen, type in the command below and then press the Enter key.

"Get-ExecutionPolicy"

After confirming the policy, you need to note it down in case the word Restricted appears on your screen.

5. Then type in the commands given below.

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

You have to select the Enter key after the given commands.

If an alert appears on the screen, you need to select Y from your keyboard and move towards it by pressing Enter to proceed.

6. Then enter the command mentioned below:

& “C:\Users\YOUR-ACCOUNT-FOLDER\Downloads\ResetWindowssearchBox.ps1”

11. After pressing the key R, use Enter to confirm.
12. Enter the below-mentioned command and press the Enter key:

Set-ExecutionPolicy-ScopeCurrentUser -ExecutionPolicyRestricted

13. Type Y and select the Enter key; confirm your selection.

After completing the steps, the malfunctioning search will be fixed.