Windows Search Bar Keeps Closing? 8 Fixes to Try Right Now

Many Windows users report a frustrating glitch in which their search bar closes as soon as they open it. While the cause of this bug is unknown, it’s very likely due to corrupted system files.

In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll list 8 solutions for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 that should help get your search bar working once again.

1. Change the Windows Search Registry Entry

One of the most common causes for the Windows Search bar to stop working correctly is corrupt registry entries. By deleting these entries, you can force Windows to automatically recreate them, fixing the problem.

Here’s how:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search

2. Restart the SearchHost.exe and Windows Search Processes

SearchHost.exe is the application Windows uses to search files on your PC. If Windows Search isn’t working, restarting the host process might help. To do so:

3. Restart the Windows Search Service

If something has gone wrong with the Windows Search service, restarting it might get it working again. Here’s how:

You can also restart the search service by using a script created by Microsoft.

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Restricted

4. Rebuild the Search Index

Windows generates a search index that acts like a map of all your files. However, theWindows Search Indexermay have been corrupted, leading to your Windows Search problems. To check whether this is the case, you can try rebuilding the search index as follows:

5. Repair all Windows Apps Using PowerShell

Some users report that using a command to repair Windows apps can resolve the search bar issue. Here’s what to do:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Search | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register “$($_. InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode}

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_. InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Next, you need to perform a clean boot of Windows:

6. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

If nothing has worked, Windows might be able to resolve your search bug via the Search and Indexing troubleshooter. To try this:

Some users report that the SFC and DISM commands can help resolve problems with Windows Search. Here’s what to do:

SFC /scannow

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

8. Run Windows Update

While the Windows Search problem is likely caused by corrupted system files, a simple Windows Update can be enough to get it working again. To check if there are available updates:

Search Away!

TheWindows Search featureis the easiest way to find key settings, files, and folders on your PC. If it stops working, it means you’ll have to spend much longer to manually find these files and folders. Hopefully, the solutions we’ve listed help you return the search bar to full functionality.

Jake Harfield is an Australian freelance writer whose passion is finding out how different technologies work. He has written for several online publications, focusing on explaining what he has learned to help others with their tech problems. He’s an avid hiker and birder, and in his spare time you’ll find him in the Aussie bush listening to the birdsong.Read Jake’s Full Bio

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