If your Windows 11 search isn’t working right, don’t worry! This guide will help you fix the Search and Indexing features so you can find your files quickly again.

What is Windows Search Index?

Windows Search Index is like a helpful list that your computer makes to find files and content faster. It keeps track of important folders and files so when you search, results show up quickly.

The index updates itself when you add new folders or change settings, so it always knows where to look.

Why Fix Search and Indexing?

Sometimes, Search may stop working well or show wrong results. Fixing it by turning the feature off and on again often solves these problems.

How to Turn Off and On Windows Search Index

Follow these simple steps to repair your Search and Index features:

1. Open Windows Terminal as Administrator:
   

   Click the Start button, type Windows Terminal, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.

   
   

   Learn more about opening Windows Terminal as admin

   
   
2. Disable the Search Feature:
   

   Copy and paste the command below into the Terminal window, then press Enter:

   
   

   dism /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"SearchEngine-Client-Package"

   
   
3. Restart your PC:
   

   When asked, type Y and press Enter to restart your computer.

4. Enable the Search Feature again:
   

   After your PC restarts, open Windows Terminal as administrator again and run this command:

   
   

   dism /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"SearchEngine-Client-Package"

   
   
5. Restart once more if needed:
   

   This will turn Search back on and fix many issues.

   
   

Summary

• The Windows Search Index helps you find files faster by keeping a list of important folders.
• The index updates itself when you add new folders or change search modes.
• If Search stops working, turning off and on the Search feature can fix it.
• Use Windows Terminal as an administrator to run the commands safely.

By following these easy steps, your Windows 11 Search should work smoothly again!