The Windows Start Menu search used to be simple, without any tiles and Cortana’s getting in the way of you perusing your PC for the files you want. Still, it can sometimes stop working, so we’re here to give some pointers on how to fix it.

Rebuild the Windows Search Index

There’s a possibility that the search indexing files in your Windows Search have become corrupted, therefore disabling the Search function. Use the Windows Troubleshooter for search and indexing, but first, you can try rebuilding the index, which should eliminate any corruptions.

To do this, 

• Go to Control Panel, switch on “Large icons” at the top right corner, then 
• Click “Indexing Options -> Advanced”. 
• Finally, click Rebuild in the Advanced Options window. Click OK on the pop-up that tells you this may take some time, and wait for the process to complete.

Check Windows Search Service

Another reason why your Start menu search may not be working is that the Windows Search service is not running. Windows Search service is a system service and runs automatically on the system start-up.

Check whether the service is running or not by pressing Win + R, typing services.msc, then scrolling down to find it. If it says “Running” in the Status column, it’s running (obviously). If not, you’ll have to start it manually.

To start the Search Service 

• Right-click “Windows Search” and then 
• Click “Properties.”
• In the Properties window click on the “Start” button to start the service. 
  Also, make sure that the Startup type is set to “Automatic” or “Automatic (Delayed Start).” 
  
  This ensures that the service will automatically start at every system startup.
• Once you are done with the changes, click ‘OK.’

These are only two of the steps you can attempt to solve the search, not working problem. If you need any help, contact ABACON IT, or leave a message on our Facebook page @abacon-it and we will contact you.

Please contact Ryan at 072 601 2858 for help and more information.