How to fix Windows search protocol host stopped working
Jul 29, 2025 am 04:34 AMRestart the Windows Search service via Services.msc, setting it to Automatic; 2. Run the built-in Search and Indexing Troubleshooter in Settings; 3. Rebuild the search index through Indexing Options to fix corrupted files; 4. Use sfc /scannow and DISM commands to repair system file corruption; 5. Install pending Windows updates or uninstall recent problematic ones; 6. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or add SearchIndexer.exe to exclusions; 7. Run chkdsk C: /f /r to check for disk errors; 8. Create a new user profile to rule out profile corruption—these steps resolve the "Windows Search Protocol Host has stopped working" error in most cases.
If you're seeing the error "Windows Search Protocol Host has stopped working", it usually means the SearchIndexer.exe process (responsible for Windows Search) crashed or is having trouble running. This can lead to slow or non-functional search in File Explorer, Start Menu, or Settings. Here’s how to fix it step by step:

1. Restart Windows Search Service
This is the quickest fix and often resolves temporary glitches.
- Press
Win R
, typeservices.msc
, and press Enter. - In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Search.
- Right-click it and select Stop.
- Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and choose Start.
- Set its Startup type to Automatic (if not already).
? If the service won’t start, proceed to the next steps.
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2. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in tool to diagnose search issues.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Search and Indexing, click Run.
- Follow the prompts and apply any recommended fixes.
This can detect common problems like indexing errors or service conflicts.

3. Rebuild the Search Index
Corrupted index files often cause the Search Protocol Host to crash.
- Open Control Panel > Indexing Options.
- Click Advanced.
- Under the Index Settings tab, click Rebuild in the "Troubleshooting" section.
- Confirm and wait — this may take 10–30 minutes depending on your data.
?? Tip: Exclude folders you don’t need searched (like large media or backup folders) to speed things up.
4. Check for Corrupted System Files
System file corruption can break Windows Search components.
Run these commands in Command Prompt as Administrator:
sfc /scannow
After it finishes, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC after both complete.
5. Update or Reinstall Search Components
Outdated or buggy updates can cause crashes.
Check for Windows Updates:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Install any pending updates — especially quality updates.
If using Windows 10/11, Microsoft occasionally pushes fixes for SearchIndexer bugs through cumulative updates.
If the issue started after an update, consider uninstalling that update temporarily (via Settings > Update > Update history > Uninstall updates).
6. Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Tools
Some security software or optimization tools interfere with SearchIndexer.exe
.
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus (e.g., McAfee, Norton).
- Avoid "performance booster" apps that disable services.
- Add
SearchIndexer.exe
to your antivirus exclusion list if needed.
7. Check Disk for Errors
File system errors can corrupt the search index.
Run in Command Prompt (Admin):
chkdsk C: /f /r
You’ll need to schedule it for the next restart — type Y
, then reboot.
8. Create a New User Profile (if issue is user-specific)
Sometimes user profile corruption affects search.
- Create a new local user account (Settings > Accounts > Family & other users).
- Log into the new account and test search.
- If it works, migrate your files to the new profile.
Final Notes
- The Search Protocol Host is just a background component of the Windows Search service — you don’t run it directly.
- It’s normal for
SearchIndexer.exe
to use CPU/memory briefly during indexing. Constant high usage may mean it’s stuck — rebuilding the index usually helps. - Don’t disable Windows Search unless absolutely necessary — it affects Start Menu, Settings search, and File Explorer.
Basically, restart the service and rebuild the index first. If that fails, run system checks and rule out software conflicts. Most cases are fixable without reinstalling Windows.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix Windows search protocol host stopped working. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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