Windows 10: Unable to Start Windows Search Service – "Error 3: The System Cannot Find the Path Specified"

Hello everyone,I'm experiencing an issue with Windows Search on Windows 11. When I try to start the Windows Search service, I receive the following error:"Windows could not start the Windows Search service on Local Computer. Error 3: The system cannot find the path specified."Here’s what I’ve already tried to resolve the issue:In-place upgrade: I performed an in-place installation of Windows 11, but the problem persists.New user account: I created a new local user account to rule out user profile issues, but the error still occurs, indicating it's a system-wide issue.Check the executable path:

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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 10 search service not working. receive error 3 can not find path specified

windows 10 search service not working. receive error 3 can not find path specified

 

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!