Contents
More and more users report about Windows search not working lately. The search in Start Menu is something that all Windows 7/8/10 users employ in daily tasks using the computer. A sudden disappearance of this useful tool can be a disaster. You can no longer find programs, files, or even worse, control panel to launch a troubleshooter. However, the issue can be fixed quite quickly, and there is no need to use expensive programs for that. The guide provided below also contains 2020 Update for broken Bing search after Windows update.
If Windows Start Menu Search returns no results and remains blank as you type in the search bar, then it is time to take actions immediately. Although in some cases restarting the computer might fix the problem, the issue can be more rooted in the system or be related to Windows Updates from Microsoft, such as integration with Bing search in 2020. In fact, search problems are as common as Windows sound problems, so there is no need to worry.
To enable search in Windows 10, you must check several services and settings on your computer. We have prepared a detailed guide on how to fix Windows 10 Search not working. The methods you can use are provided below.
Pro Advice. Use an award-winning Windows security & maintenance suite to leverage your PC’s performance to new heights. Remove malware, boost speed, and fix other computer problems in a few clicks.
FIX IT NOW
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows
Read Review
Fix PC errors, repair virus damage and identify hardware/stability issues using RESTORO – a unique PC Repair tool using a patented technology to replace damaged or missing Windows system files, which often are the real cause of annoying Windows errors. Try the FREE scan option to search for stability, security and hardware-related issues. To fix identified problems and receive hardware-related recommendations, you have to purchase the license key for the full software version.
On February 5th, many Windows 10 users around the globe discovered that Windows search shows blank results after entering a search query. Such issue arose from a Bing integration to Windows search bug. At the moment, there is nothing you can do to make the Bing service work properly as the issue lies on Microsoft’s end. However, you can disable it and continue using Windows search only. The safest way to do it is to edit the Registry yourself. We do not recommend downloading pre-made solutions as these can be recognized as dangerous by your antivirus.
How to Disable Bing Search integration
TIP. Sooner or later Microsoft will release a fix for the Windows Search blank results error. As soon as it becomes available, you can delete the EnableBingSearch key and set CortanaConsent key value to 1 again.
One of the easiest methods to enable search in Windows is to restart Search and Cortana services via Windows Task Manager.
You can restart Windows search service via Services panel.
In case the previous methods didn’t solve the issue with Windows search, you should try to restart Windows Explorer and Cortana.
Windows Troubleshooter can help you to restore indexing services. In addition, troubleshooters are good because they do the hard work for you – you just need to run them and wait for instructions.
Yet another method to fix Windows 10 search that keeps loading is to slightly alter Indexing Options.
You can try running several commands via Powershell to fix the issue. Just copy and paste them.
Ctfmon.exe is a process that is responsible for Windows Alternative User Input and and Office language bar. Running this process might solve the search problem in Windows, so consider doing it:
If you have any other solutions for this problem, please share them with our community.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN maintains its long-term role as a leader Private Internet Access…
XCBG ransomware aims to lock your files and demand a ransom XCBG ransomware is a…
BPQD ransomware encrypts all computer files, demands a ransom from the user BPQD ransomware is…
KQGS ransomware is a hostile computer virus designed to encrypt all of your files KQGS…
VTYM ransomware description: a virtual menace to your files stored on the computer VTYM ransomware…
FOPA ransomware is a new threatening computer virus that encrypts your files FOPA ransomware virus…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
much appreciated last process worked for me
Thanks. the ctfmon.exe command worked for me. Much appreciated.
thanks bro,
Method 8 worked for me. I searched every things in google to solve this problem.
I respect you
method 8 worked for me but i need to use it everytime i turn on my pc.
THANKS SO MUCH
Method 8. Run CTFMON process
FIXED MY PROBLEMS!
Thank you so much for all these (possible) solutions !
I only dared to try the "troubleshooting" option, and the result was
(in Dutch, sorry ... ):
"Onjuiste machtigingen voor Windows Search mappen"
Oh well, I'll just wait to see if the next update will fix it.
The update is available already, just install it. Press Win key + I to open Windows settings, then go to Update & Security. Here, you can check for Windows updates ready to download/install.
I did what you said and installed the update .....
Yay !!! Everything is back to normal !
Thank you Norbert !
Much appreciated for sharing the 2020 2/5 registry edit fix. Literally tried all the other solutions to no avail and was going crazy.
Glad it helped, Felix.
good... you have figure it out my soluction .. (ctfmom.exe) ...
All the other steps have not worked for me.. but i have notest that ctfmom does not start with windows ,, so i needed to make a shortcut out of it and copy it to startup folder .. now ctfmom starts with windows and i have the search function working .. this was the only website that have presented the ctfmom soluction.. congratz ..