Situatie
To fix a non-working Windows 11 search bar, first try simple restarts (Windows Explorer, SearchHost.exe, PC), then run the Search & Indexing Troubleshooter, rebuild the search index via Indexing Options, and finally use System File Checker (SFC)} and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)} commands in an elevated Command Prompt for deeper issues.
Solutie
Restart Windows Explorer
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager
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Find Windows Explorer
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Right-click → Restart
Fixes many temporary UI glitches.
Restart the Search process
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Open Task Manager
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Find Search or SearchHost.exe
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Right-click → End task
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It will restart automatically
Built-in Troubleshooter
Run Search & Indexing Troubleshooter
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Settings → System → Troubleshoot
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Other troubleshooters
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Run Search and Indexing
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Select the problem you’re experiencing
Common Effective Fixes
Restart Windows Search service
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Press Win + R, type
services.msc -
Find Windows Search
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Right-click → Restart
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Startup type should be Automatic
Rebuild Search Index
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Settings → Privacy & security → Searching Windows
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Scroll down → Advanced indexing options
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Advanced → Rebuild
Rebuilding can take time but often fixes missing results.
System Repair (very effective)
Run system file checks
Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:
If problems are found or it doesn’t fix it, run:
Restart afterward.
PowerShell Reset (recommended if search won’t open)
Reset Windows Search
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Open PowerShell as Administrator
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Run:
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Restart your PC
Last Resort Fixes
Create a new user profile
Corrupt profiles can break search.
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Settings → Accounts → Other users
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Add a new local account and test search
Install pending Windows 11 Updates
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Settings → Windows Update
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Install all updates, including optional ones
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Restart.
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