Discover how to solve the frustrating issue of Windows Start search not functioning properly.
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
- Perform a Windows 10 Repair Install
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website
- Run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair install
- After the repair install is complete, try searching again
