Windows 10 is easily the most fully featured operating-system Microsoft has ever released, but to find everything in it it's easy to need its powerful search tool. When Windows 10's file search stops working, though, it can be really problematic. Fortunately, setting it up back on its feet isn't as difficult as you might think.

Exactly why is Windows 10 Search No longer working?

Updating towards the newest version of Windows can occasionally cause a trouble with search. Sometimes Cortana, the smart-assistant that powers much of Windows' search functionality can bug out, causing trouble for the entire search tool.

You can end up facing poor search engine results, and maybe even an empty results page entirely, making Windows' search tool completely redundant.

After each one of the following suggestions, make an effort to search again. Whether it still doesn't work, proceed to the next tip.

How to Fix Windows 10 Search Problems

There's no shame in needing a helping hand to help fix your Windows file search problems. If you are pleased to continue some suggestions and tricks yourself, continue reading below, but if you'd rather ask someone knowledgable, check out our guide how Do I Get My Computer Fixed? to learn more.

Restart your device. It's basic advice, but there's grounds it's the first the avenue for call for most Windows errors - many times, it works wonders. If you haven't tried restarting your device, achieve this now, as a simple reboot of the system can deal with a myriad of problems. It's better to perform a restart than turn off too, as shutdowns can occasionally send your Windows 10 PC into hibernation mode, rather than completely turning them back and on again.

Turn Cortana off and on again. Since Cortana is really entwined with Windows 10's search function, turning it off and on again can do wonders for fixing Windows 10's file search problems.

To do so:

Right-click your taskbar, or tap and hold on a tablet, and select Task Manager from the drop-down list.
When the Task Manager window appears, make sure you're looking at the expanded options and choose the Processes tab, if not already highlighted.
Select Additional information if your Task Manager looks a lot less detailed than the screenshot above.
Sort the processes by Name by selecting the appropriate tab.
Scroll with the list before you find the Cortana process.
Right-click Cortana, then select End task in the menu that appears.

Windows Troubleshooter. Microsoft's Windows troubleshooter may not be in a position to fix every problem it comes down across, however it can frequently send you within the right direction to learn more or at best pinpoint exactly what the actual problem may be. You have to issues with the Windows 10 search bar not working.

Open the Windows 10 Settings menu by pressing Ctrl+I on your keyboard, or select the Start button, then select the cog icon.
Select Update and security from inside the Settings menu.
Select Troubleshoot in the left-hand menu.
Scroll with the listing of options and select Search and indexing.
Select the Run the troubleshooter button.
A new window will appear asking you exactly what the particular search problem you're facing is. Stick to the on-screen instructions and tell it what it really needs to know before selecting Next. The troubleshooter will make an effort to repair the problem(s) you have been facing.

Ensure the Search services are running. It's always possible the Windows Search service itself has been disabled for whatever reason.

To re-enable it, or at best confirm it's still running:

Press Windows key+R to create up the Run window, then type "Services.msc" before pressing Enter.
When the Services window appears, scroll down the list of services to find Windows Search. If it's already running, right-click it or tap and hold, then select Restart. Alternatively, if it's disabled or includes a blank Status, right-click or tap and hold, then select Start.

If the fixes the issue, you'll need to make sure the service will automatically run when Windows starts. To do so:

Right-click it again or tap and hold, then select Properties.
From the General tab, select the drop-down menu alongside Startup type.
Select Automatic.

Rebuild the Windows 10 search indexing options. It may be that Windows 10 has simply forgotten where certain files and folders are. To assist it remember, rebuild its indexing options by pressing Windows key+R and typing "Control Panel," prior to you buying OK.

Within the Control Panel, using the View by option within the top-right, select Large Icon in the drop-down menu.
Select Indexing Options from the main menu icons.
Select the Advanced button. If prompted, give administrator approval to continue.
Select Rebuild, then select OK. The rebuilding process may take a short while to accomplish depending on the size of your drive and just how full it's.

Windows 10 Start Menus Search Not Working, Still? If no above tips helped get the Windows 10 search bar working again, good suggestions will be to try some of our more complex Cortana help tips or choose a full Windows reset.