Windows Search issues Windows Server 2022

Question

Hello,

I'm having issues with Windows Search service on Windows Server 2022.

At first I noticed that the indexing for 700k items took 10x the time it used to on Server 2016.

I also noticed that the storage needed by the index went from 150Go to 15Go.

The search now takes a lot more time or doesn't find the files at all.

We tried to modify Registry keys of Windows Search

This is what we ended up with:We tried to rebuild the index about 3-4 times but I still get the same issue.

The index seems to build indefinitely...

I tried to run the index troubleshooter which gave me "Windows Search is not working"

After I Repair it, I get a message "Fixed" but I noticed that at this point the search bar in Explorer is not responding anymore.

Closing and reopening Windows Explorer window seems to correct it but when I run the troubleshooter again, I get the same issue.

I tried to run sfc /scannow and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Everything looks good...

I am wondering what to do next to correct Windows Search issues.

Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Hello,

Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check if the Windows Search service is running. You can do this by opening the Services app and looking for the Windows Search service. If it's not running, try starting it.
2. Check if the indexing options are set correctly. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Indexing Options. Make sure that the folders you want to be indexed are included in the list.
3. Try rebuilding the index again. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Indexing Options > Advanced > Rebuild.
4. Check if there are any updates available for Windows Server 2022. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
5. If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting Windows Search. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Indexing Options > Advanced > Troubleshooting > Reset.

Best Regards,

Hania

Answer 2

Hello Hania,

thanks for your answer. I have tried everything except Reset index. I don't see the "Reset" button under Troubleshooting. I only have "Rebuild" which I already did.

Thanks,

Alec

Answer 3

Hello,

Try restarting Windows Explorer in Task Manager with the following steps:

• Press Ctrl+ Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. You may need to select More details at the bottom of the window to see everything.
• Select the Processestab.
• Scroll down to Windows Explorer, select it, then select Restart.

Create a new user account and check if File Explorer works properly under the new profile.

Boot into Safe Mode and see if File Explorer works correctly there.

Look in the Event Viewer for any system or application logs that might indicate what’s causing the issue. Look under Windows Logs -> Application and System for error.

Answer 4

I have restarted Windows Explorer, I get the same issue.

1. I open Windows Explorer and search for a file.
2. The search takes longer than it used to, but finds results
3. I run the troubleshooter and get this:

4. I repair the problem found with the troubleshooter
5. Windows Explorer still opened, the search bar is no longer responding.
6. If I close Windows explorer, I get in this loop again.

I am on Windows Server 2022

Thanks,

Alec

Answer 5

Try to perform a clean boot:

Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.

Type msconfig and press Enter.

In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and then click "Disable all."

Go to the Startup tab and click "Open Task Manager."

Disable all startup items.

Restart your computer.

Or try to boot into Safe Mode to see if this issue persists.