Troubleshooting the 'Can't Type in Windows Search Bar' Issue
The Windows OS (Operating System) search bar allows it's users to search and find the apps, or files, and settings on your computer or laptop. Not being able to type on the search bar is frustrating and will lower your ability of using your computer. Here, in today's article we will be discussing the causes of this problem and what are the solutions for this problem.
Cause 1:
Corrupted Windows Search Index
Something that can lead to the 'Can't Type in Windows Search Bar' problem is if your computer or laptop has a corrupted WSI also known as Windows Search Index. What is The Search Index? The WSI or Windows Search index is a DB (Database) that Windows OS (Operating System) uses to search for your files on your device, and other content on your computer or laptop. If this WSI (Windwos Search Index) is corrupted or is not working properly, it might cause the search bar to not work properly or not working at all. What you should do to fix this? All you have to do to fix this, is to rebuild your WSI (Windows Search Index). Try the solutions below:
Solution 1:
Rebuild the Windows Search Index
If you are looking to rebuild the WSI (Windows Search Index), you might need to follow the steps below:
1. 'Control Panel' and then 'Indexing Options'.
2. Click on the 'Advanced' button.
3. Click on the 'Rebuild' button.
4. Now wait for the process until it is complete.
Cause 2:
Malware
Another cause of this problem can be due to a malware which is located somewhere inside your computer or laptop. Malwares are a software or a type of software that will damage your computer or laptop and lead to different problems such as the problem with the Windows Search bar. If you are thinking that this is being cause by a malware, you need to run a full scan with an antivirus software to help you detect any malware.
Solution 2:
Run a Malware Scan
Follow the steps below if you want to run a scan in your device for any malwares:
1. First of all download and install an antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes, Norton, McAfee.
2. You might also need to update the software to the latest version.
3. Start a full-scan in your computer or laptop.
4. Then follow the software's instructions to remove any malware which was found in your computer or laptop.
Cause 3:
Corrupted User Profile is also a cause of Windows Search bar not workig
Another reason of Windows Search bar not working can be because of corrupted user profile can also lead to the 'Can't Type in Windows Search Bar' problem. You can solve this problem by following the steps which we have shown below.
Solution 3:
If you are looking to create a new User Profile:
If other steps didn't solve your problem, you might need to create a new user profile in your Windows OS (Operating System) computer or laptop, you need to follow the steps below:
1. 'Control Panel' and then 'User Accounts'.
2. Click on 'Manage another account'.
3. Click the 'Add a new user in PC settings' option.
4. And follow the instructions shown to you to create a new user profile.
Just a reminder again, to solve this problem do the following steps: rebuild the WSI (Windows Search Index), use an antivirus software to run a malware scan, or create a new user profile, and if the problem is not yet still solved, you need to contact an IT professional.
