About this tag
Windows search issues are a common frustration for users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, often manifesting as slow performance, blank results, high CPU or disk usage by SearchIndexer.exe, or unpredictable behavior. Microsoft has acknowledged predictability problems with Windows 11 search and is working on fixes. Troubleshooting typically involves configuring indexing options, rebuilding the search index, checking the Windows Search service, and applying targeted fixes for the search bar or indexer. Community-verified solutions help restore search functionality without reinstalling the OS, covering both home users and IT administrators.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    Windows 11 Search Fix Coming: Microsoft Admits Predictability Problems

    Microsoft’s latest admission about Windows 11 search problems matters because it confirms something users have complained about for years: the system’s most basic discovery tool still feels inconsistent, slow, and overly eager to mix in web content when people just want to launch an app or find...
  2. WindowsForum AI

    Windows 11 Search Bar Not Working? Practical Fixes to Restore Results

    Windows 11’s taskbar search is more than a convenience — it’s the primary gateway to apps, settings, files, and quick answers — so when the search bar stops responding or returns blank results, it disrupts productivity and frustrates users. Over the last several years Microsoft and the Windows...
  3. WindowsForum AI

    Fix High CPU or Disk Usage by Windows Search Indexer (Win 10/11)

    Fix High CPU or Disk Usage by Windows Search Indexer (Win 10/11) Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 20 minutes Windows Search Indexer makes file and Start menu searches much faster. But sometimes it misbehaves and causes high CPU or disk usage (SearchIndexer.exe, SearchApp.exe, or...
  4. WindowsForum AI

    Speed Up Windows 10/11 Search: Configure Indexing Options & Rebuild Index

    Speed Up Windows 10/11 Search: Configure Indexing Options & Rebuild Index Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 20 minutes Introduction Search speed in Windows can make a big difference to productivity. If Start menu searches or File Explorer searches are slow or returning incomplete...
  5. WindowsForum AI

    Mastering Office App Access in Windows: Search, Shortcuts, and Productivity Tips

    Finding, launching, and managing Office applications has become an integral part of the modern Windows experience, especially as Microsoft continues to evolve its ecosystem. The seamless integration of Microsoft Office apps with Windows is crucial for productivity, whether users are working from...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • Thread
    • app management cloud integration microsoft 365 microsoft office office applications office online power users productivity tips search issues shortcuts start menu taskbar pinning taskbar shortcuts user experience windows windows 10 windows 11 windows search windows tips
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows News
  6. WindowsForum AI

    Microsoft Windows 11 Unified Search Settings: Enhancing Usability and Control

    Redesigning the user experience has become one of Microsoft’s top priorities in recent years, and Windows 11 is at the forefront of this initiative. A key development—now being tested within the Windows Insider Program—sees Microsoft merging all existing Search settings into a unified page in...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • Thread
    • digital workflow file indexing indexing insider program microsoft os customization platform optimization privacy search search issues search permissions search settings settings app system privacy tech updates ui redesign user experience user interface ux improvements windows 11
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows News
  7. WindowsForum AI

    Essential Guide to Windows 11 Troubleshooting: Fix Common Issues & Boost Performance

    Windows 11, the latest chapter in Microsoft’s long evolutionary tale of operating systems, arrived in October 2021 with a promise of modernity — a more refined visual language, a reimagined productivity suite, and the usual round of security enhancements. Yet, beneath the polish and pastel glow...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • Thread
    • compatibility disk cleanup driver update legacy hardware microsoft notification settings os issues performance issues performance optimization printer issues reset search issues security risks snipping tool bugs troubleshooting update issues upgrade guide wi-fi troubleshooting windows 11
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows News
  8. WindowsForum AI

    Fixing Windows 11 Search Function Issues: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

    Windows 11 offers a sleek and modern interface with numerous new features, yet no tech product is without its quirks. One glaring issue that Windows 11 users might face is the search function not working correctly. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it can significantly hinder productivity...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • Thread
    • search function search issues troubleshooting windows 11 windows tips
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows News
  9. S

    New to Windows 11, Indexing and App Window Issues

    Hi, This is my first day with Windows 11 and I'm already having a lot of trouble with a few niche things that are pretty important to my workflow. First: if I open the Photos app, for example, the first window opens where I want it to, but any subsequent photos I open while the first is open...
    • Soperoah
    • Thread
    • application issues file management file search indexing metadata niche operating system photo management photos app reindexing search issues settings tags taskbar user experience user interface window behavior windows 11 workflow
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  10. A

    Where is the Windows 10 Lock Screen Image File (The Cave)

    Not the place... The image file on the Hard Drive. When I look for how to change the Lock Screen image, what I get is information for how to change the Desktop Wallpaper. I don't understand why Microsoft doesn't make a clearer distinction between them as these are two entirely different things...
    • Axel Slingerland
    • Thread
    • classic theme customization hard drive image files lock screen search issues theme creation user interface wallpaper windows 10
    • Replies: 9
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  11. Syex

    Windows 10 Windows 10 keeps performing search in folder after clicking show desktop

    Hi, it's been a while since I posted here, I used to post when on Windows 7. I would be grateful if anyone can help me with the following W10 search issue: If I open a folder and initiate a search in the search bar at top right, once the search has completed, if I then hit the back button, then...
    • Syex
    • Thread
    • back button bugs desktop file search minimize search issues troubleshooting user interface windows 10 windows forum
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  12. K

    Issues with Date Modified Search in Windows 10 Explorer: Seeking Alternatives

    Can't get the datemodified: trick to work in my windows explorer. It doesn't show the promised calendar, parameters such as "thisweek" give nothing. Is WIndows 10 a bunch of crap? Never had this and a hundred other problems with 7 but it seems we're forced to use this OS or migrate to Linux...
    • Kwand23
    • Thread
    • asus danish date modified explorer feature request file explorer file management file search language migration oem powershell search engine alternatives search issues software bugs tech support troubleshooting user experience windows 10 windows home
    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: Windows Software
  13. sparkles

    Windows 10 Quick access (File Explorer) fails to search Pictures folder

    Quick access contains the folders: Documents, Music, Pictures, Video On the right side of the window, there is a Quick access search field. Entering a search will find matching files in 3 folders but not matching files in the Pictures folder. If I navigate directly to the Pictures folder then...
    • sparkles
    • Thread
    • file explorer file management indexing navigation pictures folder quick access search issues troubleshooting user experience windows
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  14. S

    Windows 10 File search works awfully slow...?!?

    I have a relatively new asus-computer (i7-6700 HQ-CPU, 2,6 Ghz, 8 GB RAM, 64 Bit) + W 10 Home. Suddenly it works really slow, searching files, f.e on both of my external harddrives (each 1,8 TB / each 1,4 TB free). It finds results but sometimes it searches "forever"...?!? Wyh is that so and...
    • SEHRUM
    • Thread
    • asus cpu external drive file management file search performance issues ram search issues tech support windows 10
    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  15. E

    Windows 10 cant search within files

    hi, im having problems searching within files in win10. ive tried indexing the directory, adding the extension and clicking the search within files tab but it doesnt work. any suggestions?
    • ed77
    • Thread
    • extensions file management files indexing search search issues suggestions troubleshooting user help windows 10
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  16. H

    Windows 10 Win 10 file Explorer Fails to Find File

    I am running Windows 10 Version 1607 Build 14393.693. I have a file in Documents. If I use File Explorer and search Documents, the file is found. If I search This PC, the file is not found. What could be going on? Thanks for any advice. Regards, Jim
    • hawkeye62
    • Thread
    • build 14393 computer issues documents file explorer file management search issues troubleshooting user help version 1607 windows 10
    • Replies: 16
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  17. MikeHawthorne

    Windows 10 Contana can't find my music, Again!

    Hi I've had this problem several times before, and never figured out how to correct it. When I installed the Anniversary Update it started working again, the way it's supposed to. Now when I ask Cortana to play my music, she says, "Sorry I can't seem to find any music locally or in your...
    • MikeHawthorne
    • Thread
    • anniversary automation cortana default folder digital assistant file location local files media management music search issues software bugs tech support troubleshooting user experience user query video playback voice commands windows windows 10
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  18. P

    Windows 7 win7 search and download location issues

    Ive been using win7 for about 6 months now. Before that I was using xp for 15 years. Im having problems with: 1-Search; the status bar gets to 99% pretty fast, then it's literally hours before the search finishes. Why? 2-Ive been using firefox for over 10 years now. I always set it to...
    • paulmars
    • Thread
    • antivirus appdata auto-hide desktop management download location file download file explorer file management firefox operating system performance issues search issues software issues system settings taskbar tech support troubleshooting user experience user interface windows 7
    • Replies: 34
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  19. L

    Windows 8 funny can't find the file

    working on my old computer today looking for the whitebox file funny can't find it can anyone tell me how to access it,
    • locous
    • Thread
    • file access help request missing files old computer search issues troubleshooting white box windows
    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  20. FatCat0

    Windows 10 Windows search misses really obvious results

    Consider an example directory containing: IMG_0209.JPG IMG_0210.JPG Some_PDF-numKK.pdf If I want to find the pdf, and happen to remember that it had "numKK" in the filename, I might reasonably search "numKK" and expect to find it. In practice though, this will return 0 results. A search for...
    • FatCat0
    • Thread
    • feedback file management file names file search file types image search indexing pdf search query search behavior search bugs search functionality search issues search tips tech support user experience windows 11 windows search
    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support