Fix problems in Windows Search

Applies to: Windows 10, version 2004, all editionsWindows 10, version 1909, all editionsWindows 10, version 1903, all editions More

If Windows Search is unresponsive or the search results don't appear as expected, try any of the following solutions.

If you’re running Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) or later versions and Windows can detect a problem, we will run the Search troubleshooter automatically. This troubleshooter will reset Windows Search back to the default experience. View your troubleshooter history under Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > View History. Follow the steps below if your issue is still not resolved.

Check for updates

Windows 10 lets you choose when and how to get the latest updates to help keep your device running smoothly and securely.

To manage your options and see any available updates, select the following button.

Check for Windows updates

Or, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any available updates, and then restart your computer if the updates require this.

For more information, see Update Windows 10.

Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

Your PC automatically indexes content to deliver faster search results. Learn more about Search indexing in Windows 10.

Use the Windows Search and Indexing troubleshooter to try to fix any problems that may arise. To do this, follow these steps:

Select Start , then select Settings .
In Windows Settings, select Update & Security > Troubleshoot . Under Find and fix other problems, select Search and Indexing .
Run the troubleshooter, and select any problems that apply. Windows will try to detect and solve them.

You can also use a command prompt to open the troubleshooter. To do this, press Windows logo key +R, enter cmd in the Open box, and then select OK. At the command prompt, run the following command:

   msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic

Restart Windows Search or your device

End the SearchUI process to restart Windows Search. To do this, follow these steps:

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del, and select Task Manager.
In the Task Manager window, select the Details tab.
In the Name column, right-click SearchUI.exe, and then select End task.
When you are prompted to end SearchUI.exe, select End process.

Note The Windows Search process will automatically restart the next time that you search.

If this doesn't fix your problem, try restarting your device. This will also install any pending updates.

Note You may want to bookmark this page before you restart.

Reset Windows Search

Try resetting Windows Search. To do this, use the method that's appropriate for your version of Windows.

To determine which version of Windows your device is running, follow these steps:

Select Start > Settings > System > About .
Open About settings
Under Windows specifications, check which version of Windows your device is running.

Note Resetting Windows Search does not affect your files. However, it may temporarily affect the relevance of search results.

Windows 10, version 1809 and earlier

Windows 10, version 1903 and later

Note If your organization has disabled the ability to run scripts, contact your administrator for help.

Help us improve Search in Windows 10

If the previous suggestions don’t fix the problem, let us know by sending feedback in the Feedback Hub.

Please provide details, such as a description of the problem, screenshots, log files, and any other information that might be helpful. In the Feedback Hub, select the appropriate category and subcategory. In this case, submit your feedback in the Cortana and Search category.

Open Feedback Hub