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Windows 11 Search Bar is Not Working: 6 Ways to Fix it

Repair the search function in simple steps

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

If your search bar is not working in Windows 11, there are a few quick ways to get things up and running in no time!

AnyMicrosoft OS might sometimes experience glitches, and the latest one is not an exemption from the rule.

Also, as noted by useru/zebra_head1on Reddit, this very same bug appears on Windows 11’s 22H2 Build 22621.1413. The user complains that the option to toggle the taskbar search box randomly disappears.

Thus, you’ll have to be prepared for any situation.

Why can’t I type in the search bar on my computer?

Not being able to type on your computer can be attributed to different factors and processes. Here are a few you should be mindful of:

With that said, let us show you the most relevant solutions.

What can I do if Windows 11 search bar is not working?

1. Restart your PC

2. Check for Windows updates

Once done, verify whether the search bar now starts working. If it doesn’t, head to the next method.

3. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

4. Restart Windows Search

5. Activate enhanced indexing

By default, Windows 11 is set to search only through the Documents, Pictures, and Music folders, and by switching to the Enhanced mode, it will search through the entire PC.

However, this may also fix the problem with the Search function that is not working in the new OS, so it’s worth a try.

6. Reset your PC

Note that if the Windows 11 search bar is slow, resetting may be overkill. You should rather do a virus scan.

If none of the prior solutions work, you should also consider visiting theMicrosoft Support website, and describing your problem by raising a ticket to the dedicated help team.

How do I enable Windows Search in Windows 11?

Enabling this service may be important if the Windows 11 search host is suspended.

How to change file indexing for faster search?

If you include a folder in indexing, the System will automatically look in all its subfolders unless you uncheck them.

After you solve this pesky problem with the Search bar in Windows 11, you might also be interested in our guide dedicated topinning apps in the Start menu and the Taskbar.

And lastly, here are a few quick tips tosearch Windows 11 more effectivelyand find things in a jiffy.

Do not forget to share your thoughts about the topic of your Windows 11 search bar not working in the comments section below and subscribe to our newsletter.

Windows 11 Search Bar is Not Working: 6 Ways to Fix it#

Why can’t I type in the search bar on my computer?#

What can I do if Windows 11 search bar is not working?#

1. Restart your PC#

2. Check for Windows updates#

3. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter#

4. Restart Windows Search#

5. Activate enhanced indexing#

6. Reset your PC#

How do I enable Windows Search in Windows 11?#

How to change file indexing for faster search?#