Some also said that Search Bar doesn’t respond even after clicking multiple times. All of this will be very irritating, but we have some possible workarounds to help you get out of this unbearable situation. Here in this article, we have mentioned working ways to help you fix the Windows 11 Search Bar not working issue.
What Causes Windows 11 Search Bar Not Working/Showing?
What Causes Windows 11 Search Bar Not Working/Showing?
There could be different reasons behind Windows Serch Bar not working issue. Yet, according to our research, the listed ones are expected to be the leading causes of it.
Issue With SearchHost.exe Improper Functioning Of Windows Search Service Problems With SearchUI.exe Corrupted System Files Issues With Windows Search Index
Fix Windows Search Bar Not Working/Showing in Windows 11
Fix Windows Search Bar Not Working/Showing in Windows 11
Before implementing the mentioned solution, we recommend installing pending Windows 11 updates. If it doesn’t resolve the problem, you can start trying the fixes to get your Windows Search Bar back in a working state.
1. Reboot Your PC
Rebooting the PC is one of the common and easiest fixes to the Windows Search Bar not working issue. You can first try rebooting your Windows 11 system and see if it resolves the problem. In most cases, restarting the PC resolves the issue. Hence, there are high possibilities that it would work for you too.
2. Enable Windows Search From Settings
You may have mistakenly disabled the Windows Search function and are now encountering the issue. We suggest ensuring that the Windows Search feature is enabled on your Windows 11 PC. It can be simply checked from the Personalize settings of your system. Follow the below steps to check the same.
3. Use the Windows Search Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for every system component, including Windows Search Bar. It allows to scan and resolve all the Windows Search related problems in a few steps. You can also use the Windows Search Troubleshooter to fix all the issues.
4. Clear Device Search History
One of the ways to rectify the non-working Windows Search Bar is to clear the device search history. Many Windows 11 users reported that their Windows Search started working correctly after clearing the device search history. You can also try the same and see if it solves the issue. Below are the steps to clear device search history in Windows 11.
5. Restart Windows File Explorer
File Explorer plays a vital role in the proper functioning of Windows Search. There is a possibility that Windows File Explorer isn’t working properly, eventually causing the Search Bar not working issue. You can fix the issue by restarting the Windows File Explorer program. Follow the below-mentioned process to restart the Windows File Explorer.
6. Restart Windows Search Bar Process
One of the causes of the issue is expected to be the improper functioning of the Windows Search Bar process. It could be possible that your system’s Windows Search Bar process got terminated for any reason and is now causing this issue. Fortunately, Windows lets you restart Windows Explorer from the Task Manager. You can check the mentioned steps to restart Windows Search Bar from the Task Manager.
7. Restart Windows Search Service
Windows Search Bar entirely depends on the Windows Search Service. Due to any reason, if the service stops working, you will automatically start noticing issues with your Windows Search Bar function. Many users reported that their Windows Search Service wasn’t working correctly, causing the issue. They also added that restarting the service eliminated the issue for them. You can also do the same by following the below-mentioned steps.
8. Restart SearchUI.exe and SearchApp.exe
Another cause behind the Windows Search Bar not working issue could be the suspended SearchUI.exe service. SearchUI.exe is a Windows process that ensures that the Windows Search Bar is correctly functioning and visible on the screen. You might be facing the issue because of a malfunctioned SearchUI.exe process. In this case, you can try restarting SearchUI.exe with the help of below steps.
9. Reset Windows Search
Resetting Windows Search is more likely to resolve the Windows Search Bar not working on your Windows 11 PC. In addition, this solution is recommended by Microsoft’s technical team. So, it will likely have more chances to work and fix the problem. You can reset the Windows Search by executing a PowerShell script.
10. Run DISM and SFC Scan
Sometimes Windows Search Bar files get corrupted and stop working. You can execute DISM and SFC scans to fix all corrupted system files in this case. DISM scan checks for system file integrity and fixes issues in them. At the same time, the SFC scans all system files and replaces corrupted files with their stored cache version. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to run SFC and DISM scan.
Run DISM Scan
Run SFC Scan
11. Run CTF Loader
CTF, better known as Collaborative Translation Framework Loader is a Windows essential function. It helps in providing text support for handwriting and speech recognition. CTF Loader also plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the Windows Search feature. Sometimes the CTF Loader process doesn’t start automatically and causes issues. You need to load the program to storage and start it manually. It can be done by simply running a command. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to restart CTF Loader.
12. Use the Registry Editor To Tweak Windows Search Settings
Registry Editor is an essential Windows function that stores all your Windows settings and configurations in one place. There could be a glitch with your Windows Search Setting, which can be easily fixed using the Registry Editor. You can follow the below-mentioned process to check how to tweak Windows Search Settings using the Registry Editor program.
13. Modify the Touchpad and Handwriting Panel Service
Many third-party applications ask for permission to modify the system settings, and it could be possible that they are the ones who caused the Windows Search bar not working issue. An application on your system may manipulate the Touchpad and Handwriting service. In that case, you need to change the Touchpad and Handwriting panel settings. Follow the below-mentioned steps to do the same.
14. Rebuild the Windows Search Index
Sometimes, tweaking Windows Search settings doesn’t work. If this is the same case with you, we will recommend rebuilding the entire Windows Search Index. Rebuilding the Windows Search Index will recreate the Windows Search Index, which will repair all the errors with the Windows Search.
15. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
If you are experiencing this issue after installing a specific Windows 11 update, we suggest uninstalling that particular update from your system. Many Windows 11 users reported the Windows Search bar not working issue and fixed it by uninstalling the update that caused the issue for them.
16. Reset Windows
If none of the above-mentioned methods work, resetting the PC will indeed resolve the issue. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to reset your Windows 11 PC.
How Do I Turn On the Search Bar in Windows 11?
Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 system. Head to the Personalization settings from the left-navigation menu. Scroll down and head to the Taskbar settings. Click Taskbar items under the Taskbar settings to modify the taskbar icons. Look for Search in the option and enable it.
How Do I Fix Windows Cannot Open the Search Bar?
You can try resetting the Windows Search Bar to fix the Windows cannot open the search bar issue. You can reset the Windows Search Bar using PowerShell.
Why Is Search Not Working Windows 11?
There could be several reasons behind the improper functioning of the Windows Search Bar. One of the main causes of this issue is the non-functioning of the taskbar. If there is an issue with your Windows Taskbar, then Windows Search Bar will automatically start creating problems.
Can’t Type in Windows Search Bar?
One of the best solutions to fix the can’t type in Windows Search Bar issue is restarting all Cortona-related processes. You can simply restart Cortona from the Task Manager.
How Do I Reset Windows Search Bar?
You need to first download the ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1 PowerShell script and save it in your local storage. Right-click on the downloaded PowerShell script and select Run with PowerShell. It will now automatically execute the command and reset the Windows Search Bar.
Final Words
Final Words
Improper functioning of the Windows Search Bar could be very frustrating as it makes you search for files and applications by performing additional steps. Now it’s time to say goodbye to the irritating issue with the help of the above ways. We assure you that one of the mentioned methods will help you fix the Windows Search Bar on your Windows 11 PC. Which fix did work for you? Let us know in the comments.
