How To Fix Windows Search Issues

Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, When I install something, I expect it to appear in the start menu search, but I’ve seen recently that it doesn’t. I’m using Windows 10 and windows search isn’t working. What should I do?” – Katie Y., Australia

Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:

Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.

Wally’s Answer: Problems with Windows search really are a big deal. It is indispensable for any Windows user. When it first came out with Windows 7, it was a game-changer. Being able to search this fast changed how people worked with Windows PCs, and to this day it is difficult to imagine using a Windows computer without the Windows search feature.

Problem

The Windows search feature stopped working in Windows 10. It may show the following error message:

“Microsoft Windows Search Indexer stopped working and was closed.”

Cause

A problem with the Windows Search Indexer.

Solution

Here’s what you might need to know to fix this problem:

Microsoft Windows Search Indexer

The Microsoft Windows Search Indexer is what scans all targeted files and folders to make a list or an index. This index is what is searched when you try to look for something through the start search bar.

How To Fix Problems With Windows Search?

The easiest way to fix the Windows Search indexer is to open the Indexing Options. Please follow these instructions:

Press the Windows Key > type indexing options > click Indexing Options from the list of search results
Click the Troubleshoot Search and Indexing link from the dialog-box.
Wait for it to load.
Follow instructions to complete the troubleshooting steps.

Don’t worry if you’re still having problems. Please continue reading.

Rebuild The Windows Search Indexer In Windows 10

Its really simple. Just follow these instructions.

Press the Windows Key > type indexing options > click Indexing Options from the list of search results
Click the button labeled Advanced
Go to the tab labeled Index Settings, click Rebuild.

There you go! With that, the Windows Search Index should be fixed. Restart windows and try using the start search bar again.

I Hope You Liked This Blog Article! If You Need Additional Support on This Issue Then Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me On Facebook.

Is Your PC Healthy?

I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.

Happy Computing!

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About the Author

Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.