How to Reset Windows Search in Windows 11
Resetting Windows Search in Windows 11 fixes missing files, blank panels, and slow results by rebuilding your search index (the quick-reference map Windows uses to find items on your PC).
When search stops working properly in version 22H2 or 23H2, clearing this database forces Windows to map everything out again from scratch so you can find apps and documents instantly.
Your personal files and photos stay completely safe during this process, and Windows keeps running normally while it rebuilds the list in the background.
Reset Windows Search by downloading Microsoft’s reset script. Open Windows Terminal as administrator, then run the script using the command: PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -File “”. Confirm by typing R and pressing Enter to rebuild the search index.
Steps to Reset Windows Search
Step 1Download the Reset Script
Microsoft provides a small program, known as a script, to reset Windows Search. Click the link below to download it :
Download ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1
Select your language and save the file to your Desktop or Downloads folder.
Step 2Open Windows Terminal as Administrator
Opening Windows Terminal as administrator gives you the system permissions needed to reset Windows Search. To do this, press the Windows key, type Windows Terminal, right-click the result in the list, and choose Run as administrator from the menu. Click Yes if a prompt appears asking to allow the app to make changes to your device.
Running the script requires special permissions, also known as admin rights. Here’s how to do that:
- Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
- Type Windows Terminal.
- Right-click on Windows Terminal and choose Run as administrator.
- If you want, you can also open Windows Terminal with admin rights by following this guide.
Step 3Run the Reset Script
Running the reset script requires you to paste a specific command into Windows Terminal to fix broken search features. Type or paste PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -File followed by the full file path of your downloaded script into the open window, then press Enter to start the process and restore normal search behavior.
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -File "<Full path of ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1 file>"For example, if your file is in Downloads and your username is User01, type:
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -File "C:\Users\User01\Downloads\ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1"Step 4Confirm Running the Script
When a prompt appears, type R and press Enter to start the reset.
Once the script finishes, Windows Search will be reset. It takes a little time for it to begin working normally again as it rebuilds the search index.
Why Reset Windows Search?
- Fixes problems like no search results showing up.
- Improves slow or laggy search performance.
- Corrects wrong or missing suggestions.
Important Notes
- You must run the script as an administrator to reset Windows Search.
- Resetting will not delete your personal files.
- The search might feel a bit slow right after resetting because Windows is rebuilding the search database.
Where to Learn More
For official details and troubleshooting tips, visit Microsoft Support - Fix Windows Search Problems.
Need Help?
If problems persist or questions arise, leave a comment below or ask someone trusted for help.
Summary
Resetting Windows Search fixes problems like slow performance or search failure safely without harming stored files.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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