Windows 10: Windows search service cannot be started. Get "Error 21: the device is not ready"

I reinstalled Windows 10 last July 2022 and since then the search in Outlook has not worked. Starting to be bothered a lot by not being able to do searches.I've search the web and tried several solutions:https://www.urtech.ca/2018/11/solved-outlook-something-went-wrong-and-your-search-couldnt-be-completed/https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/57567-restore-default-services-windows-10-a.htmlNeither of these have solved the problem. Other solutions I've found generally loop back to one of the two above links.PC inforocessor IntelR CoreTM i7-3770K CPU @ 3.50GHz 3.90 GHz Installed RA

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Windows search services: Error 21: The device is not ready

I am unable to start the windows search service.

I first noticed the issue when windows prompted me that indexing was turned off. I have been unable to track down any information on what this Error 21 actually indicates.

Any information on how to reinstall the service, or get it working again would be greatly appreciated.

 

Windows Search Service wont start, Index fails to rebuild

It would probably be useful to know what "the device" is. Any clues in the Event log?

Also, how are you trying to start Windows Search? One way would be in an Administrator command shell to enter:

Code:

sc.exe  queryex   wsearchnet  start  wsearch

I am suggesting you use the query first in case the service is in a state in which the second command would not work, such as being disabled. Or maybe it is already running and then the error would be misleading and not just about wsearch itself.

FYI

Robert Aldwinckle

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Windows Search Service wont start, Index fails to rebuild

I go the same problem as here, but nothing in the thread helped:

Redirecting

I tried every single suggestion that I could find out there, nothing works.

I am quite sure it happened when I changed hard drives and renamed them and one of them contained the search index.

Did anybody ever successfully recover from this error?

To repeat, it happens when you try to start the Windows Search Service. The error is "Windows could not start the Windows Search service on Local Computer. Error 21: The device is not ready.