How to Fix “Start Menu Search Not Showing Results” in Windows 10/11

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The Start Menu search function in Windows 10/11 is a crucial feature that allows users to quickly find files, apps, and settings. When it stops showing results, it can significantly impact productivity and cause frustration. This issue can stem from various sources, including corrupted system files, indexing problems, or search settings misconfigurations. This guide will explore practical solutions to resolve the “Start Menu search not showing results” problem in Windows 10/11.

Fix-Windows-10-Start-menu-search-not-working

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer can refresh the Start Menu and resolve minor issues related to search functionality.

  • Restart Windows Explorer:
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    • Find “Windows Explorer” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Restart.”

Restarting Windows Explorer can often resolve temporary glitches affecting the Start Menu search.

2. Rebuild Search Index

Rebuilding the search index can help resolve issues related to missing or incomplete search results.

  • Rebuild Search Index:
    • Press Windows + S, type “Indexing Options,” and select it.
    • Click on “Advanced” and go to the “Index Settings” tab.
    • Click on “Rebuild” under the Troubleshooting section. Confirm the action if prompted.

Rebuilding the search index allows Windows to re-index your files, which can help restore proper search functionality.

3. Check Search Service

The Windows Search service must be running for search functions to work correctly. Checking and restarting this service can resolve related issues.

  • Restart Windows Search Service:
    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
    • Locate “Windows Search” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Restart.” If it’s not running, right-click and select “Start.”

Restarting the Windows Search service ensures it is operating correctly, which can resolve search-related issues.

4. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to address search and indexing problems.

  • Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter:
    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” > “Additional troubleshooters.”
    • Select “Search and Indexing” and click “Run the troubleshooter.” Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix issues.

The troubleshooter can identify and automatically resolve common problems affecting the Start Menu search.

5. Reset Search Functionality

Resetting search functionality can resolve issues caused by corrupted system settings or configurations.

  • Reset Search Functionality:
    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to “Apps” > “Apps & features.”
    • Scroll down and find “Microsoft Windows Search.” Click on it and select “Advanced options.”
    • Click “Reset” to restore search settings to their default state.

Resetting search functionality can address configuration issues and restore proper search results.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Ensuring your system is up-to-date can resolve bugs and issues related to the Start Menu search.

  • Check for Updates:
    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.”
    • Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

Installing the latest updates ensures that you have the most recent fixes and improvements for Windows.

7. Re-register Start Menu Apps

Re-registering Start Menu apps can help resolve issues with search functionality not displaying results.

  • Re-register Start Menu Apps:
    • Press Windows + S, type powershell, right-click on “Windows PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.”
    • Enter the following command and press Enter:
      Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Re-registering Start Menu apps can resolve issues related to app functionality and search results.

8. Perform System File Check

Corrupted system files can affect various system functions, including search. Running a system file check can help resolve these issues.

  • Run System File Checker:
    • Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
    • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete.

The System File Checker scans for and repairs corrupted system files that might be affecting the search functionality.

9. Create a New User Profile

Sometimes, issues with the user profile can cause search problems. Creating a new user profile can help determine if the issue is profile-specific.

  • Create a New User Profile:
    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to “Accounts” > “Family & other users.”
    • Click “Add someone else to this PC” and follow the prompts to create a new user account.

Testing the search functionality with a new user profile can help determine if the issue is related to your current profile.

Conclusion

When the Start Menu search in Windows 10/11 fails to show results, addressing potential causes such as system file corruption, search service issues, and indexing problems can help resolve the issue. By following these solutions, including restarting Windows Explorer, rebuilding the search index, and running troubleshooting tools, you can restore the search functionality and improve your overall Windows experience. Regular maintenance and proactive troubleshooting can help prevent similar issues in the future and ensure a smooth and efficient computing environment.

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