Search function not working

[TravelerMR]

Search function does not work.  I get the usual message "Working on it..." for hours.

I lost track of a document and apparently need to peruse thousands of files visually to find it or start again and rewrite it.

Yes, I've restarted; yes my Windows updates have been installed.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@TravelerMR 

Even when it works, Windows Search can be slow enough to make you want to pound you mouse on the screen.

A couple of ideas...

First, the "standard" Windows Search...

 Windows Index is likely stuck, corrupted, broken, or trying to search a non-existent folder.

Solution:

Correct or Rebuild the Windows Search Index

Path to the Index

Navigate to Control Panel > icon view > Index

Help - Start here:

Fix problems in Windows Search

If you would like to do so, the subject is well covered in many articles on the 'net.

Search for "Windows index not working" or "windows search not working" (or similar).

The main steps are about the same - choose an article that matches your situation and skill level.

=============================================================================

Next, an Alternative.

Windows Search Index, even when working, can be painfully slow on some systems.

For the purpose of this answer, the reasons do not matter.

What to do?

Use a search software that can quickly find "stuff" on your computer.

Tree Size Free

Nice, free, fast, AND it can search just about anything (locations).

It does help if you have "some idea" where to look, of course.

For example, if you know the file is in your account, start there as opposed to starting the search on "C" disk level.

and / or

From:  Nirsoft

Alternative to Windows Search (Last time I used it, the software works in Windows 10)

SearchMyFiles

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[TravelerMR]

Thank you!  The built-in troubleshooter couldn't find a problem.  I didn't know the term indexing, but once I found and changed that in my settings (and also ran another Windows Update), it began to work again.  It's slo-o-o-w but it actually works again!

[Dragon-Fur]

@TravelerMR 

You are welcome.

You are not the first one to miss "Index" .

As obvious as it seems "after the fact", the whole thing is apparently as clear as mud to many of us.

Try one of the alternatives, if you like.

I've used both (and have both installed on at least one system).

Tree Size, in particular, once you run it a few times to become familiar with it, it exceptionally fast.

SearchMyFiles can find things that are seemingly obscure - you do have to have an idea what to use as a search parameter...

Good Luck,

Stay Safe.

Thank you for participating in our HP Community.

We are a volunteer community workforce dedicated to supporting HP technology

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You for the help.

If the answer helped resolve your issue, Click "Accept as Solution" .