Windows search not working or down: An issue that can be easily fixedWays to Fix Windows Search Not WorkingMethod 1. Fix Windows search that shows blank results (2020 Update)Method 1. Restart Search services via Task ManagerMethod 2. Restart Windows search serviceMethod 3. Restart Windows Explorer and CortanaMethod 4. Employ Windows TroubleshooterMethod 5. Configure the size of the paging fileMethod 6. Check Indexing OptionsMethod 7. Use Powershell commandsMethod 8. Run CTFMON process
If Windows Start Menu Search returns no results and remains blank as you type in the search bar, then it is time to take actions immediately. Although in some cases restarting the computer might fix the problem, the issue can be more rooted in the system or be related to Windows Updates from Microsoft, such as integration with Bing search in 2020. In fact, search problems are as common as Windows sound problems, so there is no need to worry. To enable search in Windows 10, you must check several services and settings on your computer. We have prepared a detailed guide on how to fix Windows 10 Search not working. The methods you can use are provided below.
Method 1. Fix Windows search that shows blank results (2020 Update)
On February 5th, many Windows 10 users around the globe discovered that Windows search shows blank results after entering a search query. Such issue arose from a Bing integration to Windows search bug. At the moment, there is nothing you can do to make the Bing service work properly as the issue lies on Microsoft’s end. However, you can disable it and continue using Windows search only. The safest way to do it is to edit the Registry yourself. We do not recommend downloading pre-made solutions as these can be recognized as dangerous by your antivirus. How to Disable Bing Search integration TIP. Sooner or later Microsoft will release a fix for the Windows Search blank results error. As soon as it becomes available, you can delete the EnableBingSearch key and set CortanaConsent key value to 1 again.
Method 1. Restart Search services via Task Manager
One of the easiest methods to enable search in Windows is to restart Search and Cortana services via Windows Task Manager.
Method 2. Restart Windows search service
You can restart Windows search service via Services panel.
Method 3. Restart Windows Explorer and Cortana
In case the previous methods didn’t solve the issue with Windows search, you should try to restart Windows Explorer and Cortana.
Method 4. Employ Windows Troubleshooter
Windows Troubleshooter can help you to restore indexing services. In addition, troubleshooters are good because they do the hard work for you – you just need to run them and wait for instructions.
Method 5. Configure the size of the paging file
Method 6. Check Indexing Options
Yet another method to fix Windows 10 search that keeps loading is to slightly alter Indexing Options.
Method 7. Use Powershell commands
You can try running several commands via Powershell to fix the issue. Just copy and paste them.
Method 8. Run CTFMON process
Ctfmon.exe is a process that is responsible for Windows Alternative User Input and and Office language bar. Running this process might solve the search problem in Windows, so consider doing it: If you have any other solutions for this problem, please share them with our community.
