By now you should be familiar with the way Windows Search works, and Windows 8 Search is no different from any other in that its function is to help you find the files and folders that you need.
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It’s a frequently used function of Windows, and with frequent use come some problems. One or more of these Windows 8 desktop search problems may occur at any given moment:
- Windows Search won’t start up
- Windows Search starts but doesn’t work
- Windows Search starts, but doesn’t show any results
If any of these happen, then there are a few things you can try. One of which is the Windows Search Troubleshooter from Microsoft. If that doesn’t help you, don’t worry. There is something else you can try to get Windows 8 Desktop Search to work again.
Fixing and Repairing Windows 8 Search
If you didn’t know, desktop search will only show files and folders that have been indexed, so when you have issues with your desktop search, it is most likely rooted in what is being indexed, or in some cases not being indexed.
First, try to add folders or locations to the index and see if that helps Windows Search to find what you need. Here’s how you can add folders to the Index:
- Press the Windows Key+X to open up the Control Panel
- Find Indexing Options
- Click on Modify
- Now just add the folders and locations you want to index and then Click OK
Now more items should appear in your search results (once Windows has finished indexing them). If this still does not fix your Windows Search problem, then you may want to try rebuilding the index.
Rebuilding the Index in Windows 8
Before you start the rebuild process, you should be aware that this can take quite a long time, so it may be best to do it when you can leave the computer running on its own, overnight, for example. This is definitely the best idea if you have a slower computer as it can greatly decrease the system’s performance.
It’s simple to find the tool to rebuild the index:
- Go back to the Control Panel > Indexing Options
- Click the Advanced button
- Go to the Index Settings tab
- Click Rebuild
When the index is finally rebuilt, you can go back into the desktop search and find the files and folders you are looking for.
Add to Your Index in Windows 8
If Windows 8 search is not working, there’s a chance that the files you are looking for aren’t being indexed. Indexing is important, and Windows Search will allow you to add to your index, which will then expand your search results. Here’s what you need to do to add to your Windows 8 Index:
1. Go to your Control Panel. Hit the Windows key + X and then select Control Panel or you can easily just search for Control Panel using Windows 8 Search.
2. Click on Indexing Options.
3. Click on the Modify button.
4. In the new window you can select all of the folders that you would like to have indexed and then click OK.
5. Click the button that says Close. Now the system will take a few minutes to add the new folders and locations to the index.
Use File Explorer
If Windows 8 Search is not working like you would expect, you should try to search through the File Explorer. The results for the files and folders you need might be easier to find through the File Explorer. Also this might find files that aren’t indexed. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Go to your desktop.
2. Open the File Explorer. The icon can be found on the taskbar.
3. Now you can type a search term into the search box, which is located in the upper right hand corner. Expand the toolbar to show advanced search options.
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