Search is a core feature in modern computer and smartphone operating systems. Users use the search not only to launch apps and programs but also to find files and seek information.
Microsoft has fine-tuned the search experience in recent versions of Windows 10. The start/taskbar search accuracy has got better with the recent feature updates.
The Windows 10 search works flawlessly for the most. However, there are users who have been experiencing issues with the Windows 10 search.
When it comes to addressing the search issues, there is a built-in troubleshooter in Windows 10 to fix all search-related issues in Windows 10. The troubleshooter can be accessed by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot page.
If the built-in search troubleshooter fails to fix an issue with the search, you can reset the Windows 10 search to fix the issue. Microsoft offers a PowerShell script to reset the Windows 10 search quickly and easily.
Reset the Windows 10 search to fix search issues
Here is how to reset the Windows 10 search using the PowerShell script.
Step 1: Click here to download the WindowsSearchReset.ZIP file. Extract the ZIP file to get WindowsSearchReset.ps1 file
Note that we have compiled a PowerShell script file using the code provided by Microsoft so that you can use it directly without having to manually create the script file. Full credit goes to Microsoft for the code.
Step 2: Right-click on the WindowsSearchReset.ps1 file and then click Run with PowerShell option to open the script with the PowerShell.
Step 3: When you get the UAC prompt, click the Yes button to run the script with admin rights. You will see the PowerShell window. That’s it! The script will run to reset the Windows 10 search. It won’t take more than a few seconds to reset the search.
And if you get “Cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system” error message, it’s because running scripts is not allowed on your Windows 10 computer. You need to allow running scripts on your computer by making appropriate changes to Windows 10. Here is how to do that.
Allow running PowerShell scripts on Windows 10
Step 1: Right-click on the Start button on the taskbar and then click PowerShell (Admin). Click the Yes button when you get the User Account Control prompt to launch the PowerShell with admin rights.
Step 2: At the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
Press the Enter key.
Step 3: When you are asked for the confirmation, type “Y” (without quotes) and then hit the Enter key. This will enable running PowerShell scripts on your computer. You may run the downloaded Windows 10 search reset script now.
How to rebuild the search index to fix search issues in Windows 10 guide might also interest you.
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