New surface laptop pro start and taskbar search stopped working

Question

I just got a new surface laptop with windows 11. After using it for literally an hour or so the search in the start menu and taskbar completely stopped working. This is the second surface laptop with this issue… I got one a few weeks ago and had this problem so I returned it for a new one. But the new one is doing the same thing. I also created a new local user and that worked for about an hour and then that stopped working as well. What is going on??

I will reset the device and based on my experience with the first laptop it will work for about an hour then break for some reason.

Answer 1

I resolved the situation myself. I did so by going into the store stand downloading updates within the store. I didn’t try wsreset, but all other reset options didn’t work. The first time I tried to run the store it hang, and I rebooted, and the system said it was installing updates during the reboot, after which time the store worked and I was able to download the updates. This ultimately resolved the problem. Wsreset may have worked had I tried it but I didn’t try that.

I sort of fell into the solution accidentally. Downloading updates from within the store appears to be the fix.

Answer 2

I have exact the samen problem. A new Surface laptop 7, Windows 11. Search doesn't work in taskbar and in startmenu, when I click in search, start disapear. I used to do on my older surface laptop "Windows key" -> start typing like "calc" and enter. This doesn't work.

After a couple hours spend, I reinstalled windows on my new laptop, behaviour the same. Tried action from Vikki, doesn't help either.

What steps can I do to solve?

Thanks!

Answer 3

Hi EMilGoob,

I can understand how frustrating this must be, especially when it is happening on a brand-new Surface and after you already replaced the first device.

At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. 

To help narrow this down, could you please share a few details?

• Which exact Surface model are you using?
• What Windows version/build is installed?
• When Search stops working, what exactly happens? Are you unable to type, does the Search window open blank, does it close immediately, or does it show no results?
• Does the problem start after Windows Update finishes installing updates, after signing in with your Microsoft account, or after installing any specific app?
• Is this a personal device, or is it connected to a work/school account or managed by an organization?

In the meantime, you can try these steps before doing another reset:

1,Restart Windows Explorer

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart.

2,Restart the Windows Search process

• In Task Manager, go to the Details tab, look for SearchHost.exe, right-click it, and select End task. Windows should automatically start it again the next time you use Search.

3,Check for Windows and Surface updates

• Open Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Also open the Surface app and check Help & support to make sure Surface drivers and firmware are up to date.

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding.  

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