Thanks to the deep integration with Microsoft services, Windows 11 is designed to let you find almost anything on your PC – in the blink of an eye. Both in terms of implementation and efficiency, the built-in search feature is up to the mark. For all being so robust, it’s not perfect and does run into issues once in a while. When that happens, it kind of leaves your PC crippled.
Having encountered the Windows 11 search and indexing ill-functioning problem a few times, I thought it would be better to talk about the best tips and tricks to resolve it. If your PC is faced with this very problem, give a shot to these 10 reliable solutions to overcome the hurdle.
How to Fix Search & Indexing Not Working in Windows 11 24H2
From corrupted keyboard drivers to outdated software versions to a random software glitch to a faulty connection, there could be multiple reasons why the Windows search bar is broken on your PC.
1. Ensure That Your Laptop is Not Running Low on Power
To begin with, make sure that your Windows 11 laptop is running low on power. If the battery is drained out, plug your laptop into a power source and allow it to charge with complete peace of mind.
2. Check if Your Keyboard is Connected
Another important thing that you must check off – right off the bat is to make sure that your keyboard is properly connected and functioning without any glitches. Also, be sure your Bluetooth keyboard is not damaged and is fully compatible with your Windows device.
- Make sure your wireless keyboard has enough juice to function with the desired efficiency. Should the problem continue, remove the keyboard and reconnect to it. Launch the Start menu > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > click on the triple-dot icon next to the Bluetooth keyboard > choose the Remove device option and confirm.
- After that, re-pair your Windows device with your Bluetooth keyboard and check if the search feature has started to work as expected.
3. Restart Your PC
If the search bar is misbehaving on your Windows 11 device due to a minor software glitch, a simple restart will let you resolve it.
- Head into the Start menu > power icon > Restart.
4. Update Windows on Your PC
An outdated Windows update could also be very much in the game, preventing the search tool from functioning properly.
- On your Windows device, dive into the Start menu > Settings > Windows Update > download and install the update by following the usual process.
5. Restart Windows Explorer
Rebooting Windows Explorer has long been a trusted way to fix the Windows 11 search and indexing issue. Therefore, it would be a good idea to give this noted troubleshooter a go as well. Fret not! It’s safe and doesn’t harm your media and data at all.
- Simply, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager > locate the ‘Windows Explorer’ under the Processes tab > right-click it and select “Restart.'”
- Next, your Taskbar will disappear for a few seconds and show up again.
- Next up, hit the Start menu and type in the Windows search bar to figure out if the problem is gone.
6. Run CTFMON to Refresh Windows Search Input
No luck as yet? CTFMON is responsible for managing text input on Windows. Hence, there is a high chance that running CTFMON will let you resolve the search malfunctions on your PC.
- To get going, press Win + R to open the Run dialog > enter ctfmon.exe and press enter.
7. Restart Windows Search and Try Typing
Windows 11 offers a pretty neat way to restart “Search”. For times when the built-in search functionality doesn’t work or feels rather sluggish, it comes in handy in resolving the problem.
- To reboot Windows Search on your PC, launch the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- After that, locate the “SearchHost.exe” under the Processes tab and right-click on it.
- Hit the “End Task” option at the top.
- It will automatically restart the search process on your Windows device.
- Alternatively, press the Windows + R to bring up the Run dialog.
- Now, type the control panel and press the Enter key to open the Control Panel. Navigate to System and Security > Windows Tools.
- Next, double-click on Services > scroll down to Windows Search and right-click on it. Next up, select Restart
- Additionally, right-click on Windows Font Cache and choose Restart.
- Then, check if the Windows Search is back in action.
8. Update Keyboard Drivers
It’s no secret that the “Outdated/corrupted drivers tend to interfere with search input.
- Press the Win+X keys and select Device Manager.
- Now, expand the ‘Keyboards” section and right-click your keyboard.
- Select the “Update driver” option in the menu > choose “Search automatically for drivers’ and follow the prompts” to update your keyboard drivers.
9. Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
However, if updating the keyboard drivers doesn’t bring the malfunctioning search back on track, reinstall the keyboard driver.
- Hit the Win+X to and choose Device Manager
- After that, expand the keyboard section and right-click your keyboard.
- After that, choose the ‘Uninstall device” option in the popup menu.
- Then, restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.
10. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
If you are using a Bluetooth keyboard, make full use of the Bluetooth troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the issue.
- On your PC, go to the Start menu > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Now, look for the “Bluetooth” option and hit the “Run” button to run the troubleshooter and resolve the problem.
Wrapping up…
There you go! I hope your PC has managed to get rid of the problem and bring the search functionality back into action. In most cases, taking control of the basics like checking the battery, connection, and rebooting the device works in troubleshooting the issue.
