---
title: "Windows 8 search does not work"
url: https://lookeen.com/blog/windows-8-search-does-not-work
lang: en
description: "If the Windows 8 search does not work, it is likely due to a known bug. Here we show you how to fix it."
author: "Ben Golling"
published: 2016-07-04T09:48:34+00:00
modified: 2026-11-11T05:50:52+00:00
---

# Windows 8 search does not work

Several recurring issues with the Windows 8 search are known. The most frequently occurring problems include that…

-   … the Windows search does not start.
-   … the Windows search starts but does not allow search input.
-   … the Windows search starts and allows search input but does not display any results.

If you experience any of these errors, you can try various methods to resolve the issue. Microsoft itself provides one possible solution. [The Microsoft Fixit tool may resolve the problems with a single click](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/mats/windows_search). However, if this method does not work, there are other ways to get your Windows search working again.

[Having issues with the Windows 8 search? Lookeen can help you!](https://lookeen.com/desktop-search)

## Repairing the Windows 8 Search

As you may already know, the Windows search can only find files that are indexed. Therefore, if you are having issues with the desktop search, it is likely because you have not indexed all the files important to you.

First, you should try adding a folder to the indexed locations of the Windows search. This small step might already solve the problem. Here is how to add folders to your index:

1.  Simultaneously press the **“Windows Key”** and the letter **“X”** on your keyboard, or directly open the **“Control Panel”**.

2.  Navigate to the **“Indexing Options”**.

![Windows 8 Indexing Options](https://lookeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Windows-8-Suche-funktioniert-nicht-Indizierte-Orte-1.jpg)

3.  Click on **“Change”**.

4.  Now simply add the folders or drives to your index that are important for your search. Some folders or drives have a downward arrow and allow you to click it to expand your folder tree, from which you can select additional locations to index.

However, please note that for performance reasons, the index should not include your entire main partition (usually C:). It is better to only select the folders where you actually need to search for files.

After adding them, Windows will need a few minutes to index the files. If your Windows search still does not work afterwards, it is worth completely rebuilding your index.

## Rebuilding the Windows 8 Search Index

Before having your index rebuilt, you should keep in mind that this process can sometimes take a few hours. Accordingly, you should not have any important work running on your computer at that time. However, since you do not need to constantly click buttons to confirm anything, you can easily run the process overnight.

1.  Open the **“Windows Control Panel”** as described above.

2.  Now open the **“Indexing Options”**.

3.  Click on **“Advanced”**.

4.  Under the **“Troubleshooting”** section, you will find the **“Rebuild”** button next to **“Delete and rebuild index”**. Click it and follow the instructions.

Once the index has been rebuilt, your Windows 8 search should once again be able to find all files you are looking for without any issues.

## Use the File Explorer

If your Windows 8 search still does not work as desired, you should try searching for files using the Windows File Explorer. The File Explorer allows you to specifically search for files within folders and also finds files that are not indexed.

![Windows 8 File Explorer](https://lookeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Windows-8-Suche-funktioniert-nicht-Datei-Explorer-e1467884116604.jpg)

1.  Return to your desktop.

2.  Open your Explorer or navigate to a specific folder.

3.  Enter the term you are searching for in the search box on the right side. As soon as you click into the search box, the **“Search Tools”** ribbon appears. If you click **“Search”** below it, you open the advanced search settings of the File Explorer.Are you still having problems with your Windows 8 search? [Try our professional desktop search Lookeen free for 14 days!](https://lookeen.com/shop)