Windows 10: Cannot start Windows Search service

I noticed Windows Search indexing was stopped and tried to restart its service, but when I attempt to do it, I get this error message:

Code:

It's stuck at "Starting" and is set to Automatic (Delayed Start), which is the default preference I believe. When I click on Searching on Windows entry in Settings>Search, it freezes for a while and then closes. From what I've researched, this issue seems to be caused by registry cleaning utilities, which is not the case as I don't have this kind of software installed.

SFC scan shows no errors, and I've already renamed the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search\FileChangeClientConfigs to <regkey name>.old and rebooted, but it didn't work. I just don't know what else to try, it was working fine just two days ago.

:)

 

Cannot start Windows Search service

I've upgraded my PC running Windows 8.1 (with all the latest updates) to Windows 10 (build 10240). Everything seems fine except for the search functionality.

The Windows Search service cannot be started. The error is "Error 15: The system cannot find the drive specified."

Please see screenshot:

http://i.imgur.com/yvG2r94.png

The start menu search does not work, which is a major inconvenience. It was working fine in Windows 8.1

So far I have tried:

• "sfc /scannow" and it shows no errors
• Deleted search index at "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data"
• Disabled Cortana and Web Search
• Created a new local user account
• Automatic troubleshooter (it just says the indexing service cannot be started)

But still getting the same error.

Anyone got any ideas?

 

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.

 

Windows 10 search not indexing Outlook 2013, no search results

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in using Windows 10.

Let's diagnose the issue by referring to the following suggestion and check if that helps you.

First of all, I would suggest you to check if the
Windows Search Service is running in Automatic mode under the list of Windows services. You can follow the steps to check and start the
Windows Search again:

• Press Windows+R keys to open Run. Type “servces.msc” without quotes and hit
  Enter.
• From the list of services, locate the Windows Search Support Service
  and Windows Search Service.
• Right click on the Windows Search Service
  and then click on Properties.
• Check if the service is running. If not, start the service and change the
  Startup type to Automatic.
• Follow the same steps to start the Bluetooth service
  and change the startup type to Automatic.

You can also try the following suggestion.

Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter. Follow the steps mentioned below.

• Press “Windows key + W”.
• Type “Troubleshooting” without quotes in the Search box and hit enter.
• Select “View all” option from the left panel.
• Select “Search and Indexing”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

Hope this information helps you. Please do let us know if you need further assistance.