Can’t Type in Windows 11 Search Bar? Try These 7 Fixes

Frustrated by a non-responsive Windows Search bar? You’re not alone. This guide offers solutions to fix the search bar and get it working again.

Flowchart

Possible Reasons

• Corrupted search data: Bugs or corrupt system files can lead to corrupt search data which can then affect Search Bar’s functionality.
• Windows Search service not running: The background service responsible for search functionality might be disabled or stopped unexpectedly. It is easy to restart it.
• Corrupted system files: Windows system files associated with Search Bar could be corrupted or lost.
• CTFMON process not running: It is responsible for text input in Windows. If it is not running, you won’t be able to type in the search bar. Again, easy to restart if stopped.
• Outdated Windows version or drivers: Always keep your Windows OS and drivers up to date. They not only secure PCs but also fix bugs and add new features.

1. Check for Obvious Problems

• Ensure that the keyboard is working on another PC. If you don’t have a PC at hand, try Keyboard Checker site.
• Click on the search bar to check if the cursor is blinking. If it is not, click again to refocus it.
• Check if there are pending Windows OS updates and if yes, do install.

2. Restart Windows Explorer and Windows Search

Restarting the Windows explorer will refresh the search bar.

1. Press Windows key+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Use Search up top to find Explorer. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.

If that doesn’t work, Microsoft recommends restarting Windows Search.

1. To do so, repeat steps 1 and 2 above but instead of restarting Windows Explorer, this time search for Search. You may find it under Microsoft Windows Search Indexer.
2. Right-click on it and select End task. Confirm if asked.
3. The service should restart automatically. If not, reboot your computer.

Cool Tip: Don’t like how the Task Manager works or fancy yourself a power user? I found some Task Manager alternatives that put it to shame.

3. Run Search and Index Troubleshooter

Windows OS has some built-in troubleshooters for common problems that users may encounter. This is one of them.

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings and navigate to Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
2. Click on Indexer troubleshooter at the bottom.
3. Check Can’t start a search or see results and click on Next.

4. Restart Windows Search and Windows Font Cache Service

Windows Services lets you view and manage background services on your Windows PC. Start, stop, or change how they run to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, or manage security. Too technical? Just follow the simple steps below.

1. Press Windows key and search for Services and open it.
2. Find Windows Search, right-click on it, and select Restart option.
3. Find Windows Font Cache next and again, right-click, and select Restart option.

5. Rebuild Search Index

An outdated and corrupt search index can result in incorrect or slow search results. Since this feature is related to the search bar, you must rebuild the index manually.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type control /name Microsoft.IndexingOptions and press Enter.
2. In the Indexing options window, click on the Advanced button.
3. Under Troubleshoot section, click on the Rebuild button next to the Delete and rebuild index option.

6. Run the CTFMON Process

The CTFMON process acts like a behind-the-scenes traffic cop for your typing in Windows. It handles both voice and text input. If this process isn’t running, your search bar won’t accept any typed characters. Here’s how to manually get it rolling again.

Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type ctfmon.exe and press Enter.

7. Run SFC and DISM Scan

Windows has built-in tools, SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), to scan for and fix corrupt system files. Here’s how to use them (remember you’ll need an internet connection):

1. Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges on your PC.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

sfc /scannow

There are other ways to find what you are looking for on Windows. I prefer using the PowerToys. It’s an open-source and free app that will supercharge your OS and unique and fun features. One of them is the universal search that appears instantly, anywhere, when you press Windows+Spacebar keyboard shortcut.