Fix Windows Start Search Not Working – 10/11

Discover how to solve the frustrating issue of Windows Start search not functioning properly.

Recently, Fortect has become increasingly popular as a reliable and efficient way to address a wide range of PC issues. It's particularly favored for its user-friendly approach to diagnosing and fixing problems that can hinder a computer's performance, from system errors and malware to registry issues.

Download and Install: Download Fortect from its official website by clicking here, and install it on your PC.
Run a Scan and Review Results: Launch Fortect, conduct a system scan to identify issues, and review the scan results which detail the problems affecting your PC's performance.
Repair and Optimize: Use Fortect's repair feature to fix the identified issues. For comprehensive repair options, consider subscribing to a premium plan. After repairing, the tool also aids in optimizing your PC for improved performance.

Check and Modify Search Service and Indexing Settings

Rebuild the Search Index and Use Windows Troubleshooter

Open the Control Panel and select “Indexing Options.”
Click “Advanced” and then “Rebuild” under the Troubleshooting section.
Wait for the process to complete.
Restart your computer.

Use Windows Troubleshooter:

Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
Choose “Update & Security” and then “Troubleshoot.”
Select “Search and Indexing” and then click “Run the troubleshooter.”
Follow the prompts to complete the troubleshooting process.
Restart your computer.

import os import sys


def fix_start_search():

    try:

        os.system("sfc /scannow") # run Windows System File Checker to repair corrupted system files

        os.system("DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth") # run Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool

        os.system("net stop search") # stop Windows Search service

        os.system("net start search") # start Windows Search service

        print("Start search has been fixed.")

    except:

        print("An error occurred while fixing start search.")

if __name__ == "__main__": fix_start_search()

This code uses system commands to run Windows System File Checker and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool, which can help repair corrupted system files that may be causing the issue. It also stops and restarts the Windows Search service, which can help resolve any errors or conflicts that may be preventing the search function from working properly. However, it is important to note that this code may not work for all cases and may require additional troubleshooting steps.

Disable/Enable Third-Party Antivirus or Windows Firewall and Background Apps

Disable Third-Party Antivirus:

Open the third-party antivirus software.
Locate the settings or options menu.
Look for the option to disable the antivirus temporarily.
Select the option to disable the antivirus.

Disable Windows Firewall:

Click the Windows Start button.
Type “firewall” in the search box.
Select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
Select the option to turn off the firewall.

Disable Background Apps:

Click the Windows Start button.
Select “Settings.”
Select “Privacy.”
Click “Background apps.”
Toggle off the apps you do not want running in the background.

Enable Third-Party Antivirus:

Open the third-party antivirus software.
Locate the settings or options menu.
Look for the option to enable the antivirus.
Select the option to enable the antivirus.

Enable Windows Firewall:

Click the Windows Start button.
Type “firewall” in the search box.
Select “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
Select the option to turn on the firewall.

Enable Background Apps:

Click the Windows Start button.
Select “Settings.”
Select “Privacy.”
Click “Background apps.”
Toggle on the apps you want running in the background.

Repair or Reinstall the Start Menu and Windows Installation

Use the Windows Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I
Select Update & Security
Click on Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu
Select Search and Indexing
Click on Run the troubleshooter
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter

Restart the Search Service

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc
Click on the Services tab
Scroll down and find Windows Search
Right-click on it and select Restart
Wait for the service to restart and try searching again

Rebuild the Search Index

Open the Control Panel
Click on Indexing Options
Click on Advanced
Click on Rebuild under the Troubleshooting section
Wait for the index to rebuild completely before trying to search again

Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin)
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
Wait for the scan to complete and any errors to be fixed
Restart your computer and try searching again