Windows 10: Windows search not working windows search service is missing

My windows search doesn't seem to be working. When I open start menu and start typing something to search, like calculator, or powerpoint, the results don't show. I've disabled the cloud feature but I think the local results should still be displayed. I tried rebuilding the index but nothing happened. I then ran the search troubleshooter and it said that the Windows search service is not running. So I opened services.msc and found out that the Windows search service itself is missing.


This is weird because it's supposed to be there and I didn't remove it or change any registry settings, etc. I performed sfc /scannow and dism repair commands to see if it gets better, but no. The search service is still missing. I've tried logging into Administrator account and in safe mode as well, but nothing is working.


Is there any way I can get it back without reinstalling Windows? Perhaps some faulty registry entries?


P.S.: I've recently removed a malware using Malwarebytes so it may happen that it caused some registry entries to get corrupt? I don't know where the windows search related keys are and if this is the issue, I can ammend it if someone can assist.

:)

 

Search service not working (windows 10 pro)

My search service does not work at all - the reason seems to be "wrong data directory permissions". I tried all of the above methods without success.

What do I do now?

Thanks

 

Search service not working (windows 10 pro)

Hi Nigel,

Thank you for being a part of Windows 10.

I appreciate you for providing details about the issue and we are happy to help you.

Try the following methods and check if it helps:

Method 1:

I suggest you to run the search and indexing troubleshooter.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Right click on the Start button and click on
  Control Panel.
  
• 
  Click on the Indexing Options.
  
• 
  Click on the Troubleshoot search and indexing.
  

If the issue persists then follow the below method.

Method 2:

I suggest you to start the Windows Search Service.

Follow the below steps:

• • 
    Press Windows key + R from the Keyboard.
    
  • 
    Type services.msc and hit Enter.
    
  • 
    Search for Windows Search.
    
  • 
    Double click on Windows Search and click on
    Start button.
    
  • 
    Click on the dropdown list and set the Startup type to
    Automatic.
    

If the issue persists then follow the below method.

Method 3:

I suggest you to manually select the location in the Indexing options and check.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Right click on the Start button and select
  Control Panel.
  
• 
  Click on Indexing Options and click on
  Modify button.
  
• 
  Under Change selected locations check mark all the locations.
  
• 
  Click on Ok and check if it works.
  

Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are glad to assist you.

Thank you.

 

Help with the Windows Search Service failed

Hi,

Having some damaged system components is one of the possible causes why the services in the system are failing. For us to provide an accurate solution, we would need you to answer the following questions:

• Which build, version and edition of Windows is installed on your computer?
• What changes have you made to your computer before this issue occurred?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

In the meantime, we suggest refreshing the Windows Search service. To do so, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key + R to pull-up the Run box.
• In the Run box, type services.msc and then hit the Enter key.
• In the Services window, look for Windows Search, right-click on it and then choose Stop.
• Restart your computer.
• Pull-up the Services window again.
• Look for Windows Search, right-click on it and then choose Start.

We are looking forward to your response.