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HP Recommended
HP Spectre x360 - 15-ch011dx
Microsoft Windows 10 (32-bit)

Windows search option is not working on my notebook

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@AS40 

 

This is a Windows issue and not related to the brand of computer.

 

Refreshingly, though it does not make the problem easier to solve, the issue is not even likely related to your HP Updates or any software that controls these.

 

The issue MIGHT be a result of a recent Windows Update, though, even if it is a direct result, the actual Update may not be involved.

 

The issue might also be a result of a need to run Windows Updates.

 

and / or

 

It sounds like the Index is broken.

 

Windows search usually depends on the Windows Index database.   If the actual Index database is corrupted (can happen). then search, when it works at all, grinds (slows way down).  If the database is OK but there are way-too-many items in the database (say in excess of 500K) and your computer is less than up-to-the-task, things can drag and even stop working.

 

What to do?

 

If it turns out that the size of the Index has outstripped the ability of the system cpu and memory to catalog and track the database, reduce the number of folders, files, "things" that you are shoving into the database.

 

If the database is broken, remove the database and rebuild it.  Simple to do though it does take a while to rebuild the database -- if the system is not up-to-the-task, other activities will slow down while the Index rebuilds.  Might be best to start the build and walk a way for a few minutes (or longer) so the system can concentrate on the database.

 

You can also just switch off the Indexing .  I spend a LOT of time searching for data -  having a healthy Index is useful for my situation.

 

There are Lots (and lots) of articles on the net dedicated to the subject of Windows Search and Index.

 

Just to get started:

Use your favorite browser and search for Windows Index windows 10

 

Example

Microsoft - Search indexing in Windows 10: FAQ

 

 

Change the search phrase to narrow the search parameters.

For example, search for Windows search not working

Microsoft - Fix problems in Windows Search

 

 

 

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Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.