Fixing Search Issues In Windows 10

Help Windows find what you are looking for

 

The search function in Windows 10 is very useful. Not everyone remembers where a file, photo, video, documents, etc, are stored on their computer. With the search function, one can easily locate an item of interest. Windows 10 has also integrated the search function with Bing, so users can get internet results as well.

Many users complain of poor search functionality. Sometimes results are only partially shown, or no there appears to be no result set at all. Here we will look at some of the most common search function issues and how to resolve them.

Why Do Search Issues Occur?
Anyone who has done any systems development or programming knows that any IT system can get complicated very easily. Most of the issues are associated with Windows updates. Usually, a patch will be released in a few days which addresses the result. One should make sure their computer is running the most current update if their search functionality is not working.

Console screen

Turn Cortana On And Off
Cortana is very integrated with Windows 10 search function. This can sometimes cause some part of the search program to become broken. In this case, the best way to fix it is by turning Cortana on then off. The best way to do this is by opening the task manager (alt+control+delete) and manually choosing the stop the program. This is done by finding Cortana is the list of running programs, highlighting it, and choosing ‘end task’.

 

Use the Windows Troubleshooter
Many don’t consider this option but it is often enough to fix the issue. Even if it cannot fix the problem, new features of Windows 10 allows the troubleshooter to provide links about how the issue may be resolved.

 

Ensure The Search Service Is Running
Programs often become disabled for a variety of reasons. It is very possible that the search service on one’s machine has been turned off, and this could very well cause search function issues. To do this one must open up the Run window. The easiest way of doing this is by pressing the windows key+r. When the run box opens up type “services.msc" and press enter. The services window will open providing a scroll down menu of different processes and services. Continue down until "Windows Search" is found. Right-click on it and select restart.

 

Rebuild the Search Indexing Options
The indexer allows the computer to know where files are stored on a PC. At times, certain file locations may be erased, overwritten, or corrupted. In order to fix this issue, the index must be rebuilt.

Pull up the Run window again (by pressing the Windows key + r) and type in "control panel". Once the control panel window is open search for “indexing options". When the next window opens, click the button that says “advanced" and from there one can select “rebuild". Doing this will rebuild the PC’s file index.

 

Restart Your Computer
This is a classic bit of advice and for good reason. Sometimes one’s machine simply needs to be restarted.

Programs use loops to function. Sometimes a loop can get stuck, meaning it has no end. This endless loop causes a program to sit idle, not performing any function. Restarting the computer will cause all programs to start over, exiting any endless loops.

This is not an exhaustive list of fixes, but simply the best solutions to the most common causes of broken search functionality. If all else fails, one can always reinstall windows. Those who find themselves faced with this last resort option need to make sure to back up their data prior.

 

Beatrix Potter is a writer at Do My Assignment and Paperfellows writing services. While she has written on a wide variety of topics she specializes in tech-related topics. When she is not writing interesting tech articles Beatrix tutors at Perth Assignment Help.

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