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How to fix Search not showing results, but able to type in search bar.

Ashe 5 Reputation points
2026-03-06T00:26:46.86+00:00

Hello all,

I've had a recurring issue with my (Windows 11) search over the past 6-8 months. Around the start of August, I noticed some of my apps wouldn't load. Xbox Desktop App launches, but doesn't load into the app. Microsoft Store, where I went to download my game after the Xbox app didn't work. The thing is, it refused to start downloading. It said it needed to install some gaming components, but refused to install both the game and the gaming components, image attached.

Later on, my Start menu search bar stopped working. I was able to open, type, and search for something through the start menu, but no search results were shown. I'd sit and wait 20 minutes with still nothing shown. I moved in December, which caused my PC to be off (for around a day), and unplugged for around 8 hours. The issue with the start menu search went away, but Microsoft Store and Xbox app issues are still here.

A few days ago, the search bar issue appeared again.

Throughout my attempts to fix this myself, I have:

  • (1-2 weeks ago) Upgraded my MOBO, GPU, CPU, RAM, and PSU (though that shouldn't matter).
  • Repaired/Restarted/Restarted Windows Explorer, Xbox, Microsoft Store, SearchHost.exe SEVERAL times
  • Uninstalled and Reinstalled Xbox
  • Ran SEVERAL commands through PowerShell/cmd
  • Rebuilt the search Index
  • Checked for and installed updates to Windows 11, drivers (GPU, CPU, etc.), and apps (Microsoft Store and Xbox)
  • Completed the guide down to #4 here (I would rather not modify the registry, and for #5, I couldn't get the execution policy to be unrestricted.
  • Attempted to use the Virtual Agent, but it just led me to "Sorry, I couldn't help you better," after stating that its solutions didn't work. (which also referred me to the search troubleshooter, but it was retired, and doesn't work.

This is my personal PC running Windows 11 (25H2). If anything, I would rather have my search than have both the Xbox app and Microsoft Store.

Images:
1 of Microsoft Store "Must install gaming Components" pop-up after clicking download, and waiting appx. 30 minutes. 1 of Start Menu Search Bar results, after waiting appx. 20 minutes.Screenshot 2026-03-05 171233

Screenshot 2026-03-05 182102

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Start Menu

1 answer

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  1. Carl-L 13,820 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-06T09:29:27.3633333+00:00

    Hello Ashe,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    Based on what you described, your computer might be missing some important system files. In this case, please try these fixes to see if it helps.

    • Run SFC scan (I'm not sure what you mean by trying multiple commands, if you already did this, please ignore it)
      1. Type "Command prompt" in the search bar and select "Run as administrator"
      2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
      3. When the scan is done, type SFC /scannow.
      4. Restart your computer when it's done.
    • Perform an in-place upgrade to reset all system files and configuration. Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Community.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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