Windows 11 Search Comes Up Empty – How to Fix

Quick Tips

• An empty Search Bar in Windows 11 can have a few causes, most commonly Search Indexing errors.
• To fix this problem, you can run the Windows troubleshooter.
• You can also try a fix by restarting Windows Explorer, the Search Service, and rebuilding the Search Index.

Despite being an upgrade in many ways, Windows 11 still has the power to frustrate its users with various bugs and errors from time to time. The search bar is a prime example of a simple feature that can suddenly backfire and turn up empty. Not to fear, though, as we’ve got a few ways to troubleshoot “Windows 11 search empty” problem and get you searching in peace once again.

What Causes an Empty Search

If your search bar is drawing a blank, there can be a few causes behind the scenes, including:

• The Windows Search Indexer process isn’t running properly
• Windows Explorer is running into trouble
• The Windows Search service isn’t running properly
• There’s a problem with the search cache

The Windows 11 Search Empty – Possible Fixes

Let’s take a look at how best to fix this error and get your search bar functioning normally again.

Run the Search Indexing Troubleshooter

Perhaps the most common cause of an empty search bar is an issue with the Search Indexer process. Your first step should be running the troubleshooter to try to fix it. Here’s how:

Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic” into the box provided, then press “OK.”

Step 2. You’ll be taken to the “Search and indexing” troubleshooter. Select the particular problems with your search (most likely “Can’t start a search or see results”) by checking the boxes provided, then click “Next.”

Step 3. Let the troubleshooter run and attempt to fix the problem. After completion, try your search bar to see if the problem has been fixed.

Restart Windows Explorer

A PC that’s been running for a while can also cause Windows Explorer to behave more erratically and run into errors. This includes the search bar. A quick restart of Explorer might solve your problems. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1. Open Task Manager. A fast way to do this is by pressing (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

Step 2. Once the window pops up, switch to the “Processes” tab and navigate to “Windows Explorer.”

Step 3. Right-click the process and then click “Restart” from the context menu that pops up.

Step 4. Windows Explorer will restart. Try the search bar once again.

Restart the Windows Search Service

If the issue is with the Search service itself, a quick restart might have you back on the right track again. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Open Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “services.msc” into the box.

Step 2. In Services, scroll down to “Windows Search” and check that the service is running.

Step 3. If the service is running, right-click “Windows Search” and choose “Restart.” If it isn’t, right-click and select “Start.”

Once the service has successfully restarted, you’ll need to rebuild the Search Indexer. To do this, you’ll need to enter the Control Panel and do the following:

Step 1. In Control Panel, set your view to “Small icons” from the “View by” option in the top-right.

Step 2. Select “Indexing Options,” and a new window will appear.

Step 3. Click the “Advanced” button and confirm your admin privileges in the UAC pop-up.

Step 4. In the “Troubleshooting” subsection of the new window, click the “Rebuild” button to reconstruct your Search Index.

Step 5. Allow the Index to be rebuilt and restart your PC once done. Test your search bar again.