Windows search problems

Hi everyone,

I have been having problems with Windows search. When I search for a file (in file explorer or via the start menu), it doesn't find it even though I know it's there. I'm not sure when this started to happen (maybe an update is the cause?)

Things I have tried:

- Run DISM.exe (Scanhealth and Restorehealth), SFC and restart
- Disabling Windows search service, restart then enabling / starting it again

None of this worked Also, when I go to "Indexing options" it says "Waiting to receive indexing status" but nothing ever happens, it shows no indexed locations even after waiting for a long while.

Any ideas?

How to Solve Windows Search Issues with an Index Rebuild

When I go to Indexing Options and click Advanced, the window crashes and becomes unresponsive but it doesn't open the dialog, and I can't close it either...

Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Search and Indexing.

I've tried it before but forgot to mention it. "Troubleshooting couldn't find the problem". I hope I don't have to reinstall Windows...

You can repair install Windows 10 without losing your personal files and installed programs.

How to Do a Repair Install of Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

Until the problem is fixed you can find files using third party software:
voidtools

In addition to the in place upgrade repair you can check to see if the problem is or is not related to a user:

Open administrative command prompt and type or copy and paste:

sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
chkdsk /scan
net user test /add

When these have completed > right click on the top bar or title bar of the administrative command prompt box > left click on edit then select all > right click on the top bar again > left click on edit then copy > paste into the thread

(Post the results into the thread then perform the next step to reboot the computer)

shutdown /r

When the computer reboots logon with the new user named test.
Report into the thread whether the problem is with only one user or all users.

Maybe I'll have to do that. But after waiting for a long while, the Advanced Options appeared. I clicked Rebuild. However when I look in Task Manager the "Microsoft Windows Search Indexer" is there but doesn't show any activity at all. Maybe this is a clue? Or maybe not.

Main window of the Indexing Options will display the result of the indexing files.

I have found that it benefits Windows Search if I rebuild the Index from time to time. When I want to rebuild it, I choose a time when I will not be using my keyboard or mouse and it goes much faster. As I recall, the 'slowdown period' of the index rebuild lasts for 75 seconds after the last keystroke or mouse move. If i let it go for, say, half and hour with my system, it is usually finished by that time. But, one keystroke slows it down to a crawl. Just my experience.