not able to find any apps or documents when searched in start.

Question

Answer 1

When did the issue start? Does the search return no results at all, or only some items?

Please try restarting the Windows Search process:

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager

Go to the Details tab

In the Name column, right-click SearchUI.exe or SearchHost.exe

Select End task, then confirm by clicking End process

After that, try using the search again and check if the issue persists.

Let me know how it goes.

Answer 2

Use these steps to get to apps and files without relying on Start search, and then repair search/indexing:

1. Open apps directly
   1. Select Start.
   2. Select All apps and scroll the alphabetical list to find the app.
   3. Or press the Windows key and start typing the app name; if results still do not appear, use All apps as a workaround.
2. Open Office apps if they are missing from Start search
   1. Select Start and start typing the app name, such as Word or Excel.
   2. If the app appears in results, select it to open.
   3. If Office apps are installed but not working correctly, run an Online Repair from Apps & features for Microsoft 365/Office (this rebuilds shortcuts and registrations).
3. Find files using File Explorer search
   1. Right‑click Start and select File Explorer.
   2. In the left pane, select This PC.
   3. In the upper‑right Search This PC box, type the file name or use wildcards such as *.doc to find all Word documents.
4. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
   1. Right‑click Start and select Settings.
   2. In Windows 11, go to Privacy & security > Search.
   3. Under Related settings, select Advanced indexing options.
   4. In Indexing Options, select Advanced.
   5. On the Index Settings tab, select Troubleshoot search and indexing and follow the wizard to repair search.
5. Make sure hidden files are visible (if some files still seem missing)
   1. Right‑click Start and select Settings.
   2. Go to System > Advanced.
   3. Under File Explorer, turn Show hidden and system files to On.

If search still shows nothing after these steps, continue using All apps and File Explorer search as workarounds while the Search and Indexing troubleshooter completes and rebuilds the index.

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References:

• Find all your apps and programs
• Can't find Office applications in Windows 10?
• Find lost files after upgrading Windows