Windows 10: Could not Start Windows Search Service; "Error 3: The System Cannot Find the Path...

Hi, I have been having this issue and could not fix it. I would be grateful for any advice.The main problem is that my Windows 11 stopped indexing. When I open indexing options, it simply says 'Indexing is not running.' I ran troubleshooting and it saysroblems found:Incorrect permissions on Windows Search directories: not fixedWindows search service not running: not fixedWindows search service failed: detectedI have read this thread, https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unable-to-start-windows-search-service-error-3-the/dc734fdc-8f9f-4ae9-b873-ea864f3663fcwhich shows a very

:)

 

Cannot Start Windows Search Service: Error 3 cannot find path


Hello,

Earlier today I tried to rebuild the windows search index, only to find out that I currently have no locations indexed. I also cannot modify to add any new locations. Windows search troubleshooter shows the following results:





I went to services and tried to start the windows search service, only to be given an error message about the path specified not existing. This doesn't make any sense because I can literally see the windows search executable:





Does anyone know why this is happening?

Any help is appreciated!

 

Can´t restart the Windows Search service due to error message. Error 3: The system could not find the path specified

Original Title: Destroy Windows 10 Spying

This application totally screwed up my Windows Search and Search Indexing.

When I search through the Start Menu, it says that "Search indexing was turned of"

I can´t restart the Windows Search service due to error message "Error 3: The system could not find the path specified".

I tried to reactivate the feature under "Turn Windows features on or off" but Windows Search is missing from that list.

I ran the "System file check (SFC) Scan" which found corrupted files, but even though the scan was able to repair all issues I still can't restart the service or activate the feature.

I tried the steps mentioned in "Windows Search Service will not start", but still no luck.

I tried doing a system restore to a point earlier today, before I ran the Destroy Windows 10 Spying, without success.

I also restarted my computer between all those tries.

Does anyone know of another fix or do I really have to reinstall my Windows 10 Pro?

 

Windows 7 Windows search service is not running Windows could not start the windows search service on local computer. error 3: the system cannot find the specified path

I had this problem …

Windows 7 Windows search service is not running

Windows could not start the windows search service on local computer. error 3: the system cannot find the specified path

After battling for days … I fixed it, as follows:

Start

Control Panel

Programs

Turn Windows features on or off

In the dialog box “Windows Features” I checked Indexing Services. And I unchecked Windows Search. Then I checked Windows Search again (I uninstalled, then installed it, kinda rebooted it)

And my indexing worked again. I think I was just lucky. Hehe.