The Windows search tool is one of the most useful tools for the Windows 10 operating system. Several users complain that Windows search is not working after use one time. This error mainly occurs with new updates or with a new user who uses Windows search for the first time in their Windows 10 operating system. In this article, we will show you how you can fix Windows Search Not Working issues.

How to Fix Windows Search Not Working , 2020-antivirus

Use Copernic Desktop Search

You know that Windows has in-built search features, but if the Windows search has stopped working on your operating system then you can use another tool on your device. Copernic Desktop search can search for any procedure without facing any error.
You can also use this lightweight software to locate anything on your operating system instantly. There are no limits for search with this third-party application. You can use this tool to find email attachment, files, tasks, notes, contact hard drive etc.
Copernic Desktop Search has a premium version that you need to buy to use its full features. You can use its 30 days of a free trial.

Check Firewall

Sometimes a firewall can cause an issue with Cortana. If you have trouble with Windows search not working issues then you need to check the firewall, it may be the reason for this problem.
Here are the steps on how to check the firewall to fix error Windows Search Not Working:
Tap the Windows + S key together on your keyboard to open “Windows firewall.” And then select “Windows Defender Firewall” on the list that appears on your screen.
Move to the “Advanced Settings” that appear in the left pane.
Now move to “Outbound Rules” that appear on the top-left corner on your screen.
Here you need to find “Cortana rule,” so double-tap on “Rule” to edit.
Now tap on “Block” and then tap on the “Apply or OK” button.

Reinstall Universal Apps

Windows start menu and Cortana are universal apps in the Windows 10 operating system. If you are facing issues with Windows search not working on your computer, then you need to fix the issue by reinstalling the universal application from your device.
Here are the steps on how to reinstall universal apps:
Tap the Windows + S key together on your keyboard.
Right-tap on the Windows PowerShell on the list appears on your screen. And then select “Run as administrator” in the dropdown menu.
When the PowerShell launch, you need to run the given commands one by one:
$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’
Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like “*SystemApps*”}
After the above process, when your command is running, your entire universal apps will automatically reinstall, and the issue Windows searches not working will be fixed.

Restart File Explorer

Here are the steps on how to restart file explorer to fix Windows search not working issue:
Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc button to launch the Task Manager.
Find “Windows Explorer” on the list appear on your screen and then right-tap on it.
Select “Restart” on the dropdown menu.
After the above process Windows explorer automatically restarts, when the Windows Explorer restarts, you need to check the issue entirely resolved. If you are still facing this issue, then you need to go through the troubleshoot given below.

Change in Group Policy Settings

Here are the steps on how to fix Windows search stop working through changing in the group policy:
Tap the Windows + R key together on your keyboard to launch the Run command prompt.
In the Run command-line, type “gpedit.msc. Now tap “Enter” and then tap on the “OK” button.
Move to the “Computer Configuration” and then tap on “Administrative Templates.”
Not tap on “Windows Component” and then tap on “Search.”
Now move to the “Don’t search the web or display web results in Search.”
Tap on “Disable” or “Not Configured” and then tap on “Apply” and “OK” button to save your changes.

Alternatively, you can also fix windows search not working by changing “Registry Editor.”
Here are the steps to follow:
Tap the Windows + R key together on your keyboard to launch the Run command prompt.
In the Run command-line, type “regedit” and tap “Enter” and then tap on the “OK” button.
Now move to the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows.”
Now double-tap on the command “ConnectedSearchUseWeb” and set it value 1.

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