Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager to fix temporary glitches. 2. Run the Search and indexing troubleshooter in Settings to detect and apply fixes for search issues. 3. Re-register Cortana using PowerShell with admin rights or restart the explorer process. 4. Ensure the Windows Search service is running and set to Automatic in services.msc. 5. Rebuild the search index through Indexing Options in Control Panel to resolve corrupted data. 6. Create a new user profile to check if profile corruption is causing the issue. 7. Update Windows, run SFC and DISM commands, or reset the PC if problems persist. Most search box problems are resolved by restarting services, re-registering apps, or rebuilding the index, and the issue often lies with system processes rather than Cortana itself.
The Windows 10 Cortana search box not working is a common issue that can stem from a variety of causes — from minor glitches to deeper system problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix it effectively.

1. Restart Windows Explorer
Often, the search box issue is just a temporary UI glitch.
- Press
Ctrl Shift Esc
to open Task Manager. - Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Wait a few seconds — the taskbar (including the search box) will reload.
This simple step fixes the issue in many cases.

2. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in tool to fix search-related problems.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Click Additional troubleshooters.
- Find Search and indexing, click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the prompts and apply any recommended fixes.
It may detect issues with indexing, file access, or service failures.

3. Restart or Re-register Cortana via PowerShell
Cortana might be stuck or misregistered.
- Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run this command to stop Cortana:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
- Wait a moment, then restart your PC.
Alternatively, you can try:
kill explorer.exe Start-Process explorer.exe
This restarts the shell and often brings back the search function.
4. Check if Windows Search Service is Running
The "Windows Search" service must be active for search to work.
- Press
Win R
, typeservices.msc
, and press Enter. - Scroll down to Windows Search.
- Double-click it and ensure:
- Startup type is set to Automatic.
- Click Start if the service isn’t running.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart your computer.
5. Rebuild the Search Index
Corrupted index data can break search functionality.
- Go to Control Panel > Indexing Options.
- Click Advanced, then under Troubleshooting, click Rebuild.
- Confirm and wait — this may take some time depending on your files.
Once complete, test the search box again.
6. Create a New User Profile
Sometimes, user profile corruption affects Cortana and search.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Add a new local user with admin rights.
- Log out and sign in to the new account.
- Test the search box.
If it works, the issue was with your original profile — you may need to migrate data.
7. Update or Reset Windows
- Make sure your system is up to date: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If problems persist, consider using System File Checker:
- Open Admin Command Prompt.
- Run:
sfc /scannow
- Then:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- As a last resort, use Reset this PC (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) to reinstall Windows while keeping your files.
Basically, most search box issues can be resolved with a service restart, re-registration, or index rebuild. It’s not always Cortana’s fault — often it’s the underlying search service or shell process acting up. Try the simpler fixes first, and work up to deeper system tools if needed.
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