Here are some things you can try to fix this problem: We’ll Try to fix it the next time you sign in. It looks something like this:Ĭritical Error – Start Menu and Cortana aren’t working. One of the most major desktop search problems is a critical error message that some Windows 10 users are receiving. Many people may find Cortana and the desktop search functions in Windows 10 a very useful feature but, as you saw above, they can also cause some problems. Once it is done though, the index will be fresh and new, and your Windows 10 search should be up and running. The rebuild of the Windows 10 Search index can be a time consuming process, and you may want to do this at a time when you won’t need to use your computer. Open Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Troubleshooting > System and Security then click Find and Fix Problems With Windows Search. Believe it or not Windows 10 Search not working is a common problem with PC users, and there are a plethora of solutions to try.įor example, one of the first steps is to give the Windows Search Troubleshooter a go. There are a few more solutions that can be tested out before giving up. This will end the Cortana process, but the operating system will reload it, which should have your search working again.Ĭortana may not always be the issue when Windows 10 search is not working.

Right-Click on it and then select “end task” from the menu.

Locate “Cortana” in the background processes.

Hold down CTRL+Shift+ESC, which is the shortcut that allows you to open the task manager.

Here’s how you can stop and restart the Cortana process:

It will restart itself right away, but if you go ahead and try to type in a search, you should see results showing up once again. To fix this desktop search problem in Windows 10, you just need to stop the Cortana process. I found that the reason my desktop search wasn’t working properly, and was showing me incorrect results stemmed from Cortana still running in the background. Even when you disable Cortana, you will notice it still running in your task manager. Cortana is supposed to be like a virtual assistant, but it may assist more in giving you headaches than actual results.

In Windows 10, Cortana powers your search. Desktop Search Not Working: What do I do?

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