The Windows search bar makes it easy to search for the files and the apps installed on your computer. However, many users reported that they can’t type in Windows Search bar.

Expert step-by-step guide to fix things in a jiffy!

  • Are you in a hurry and need to quickly access a feature? This is when the Windows search box comes in handy.

  • There are reports that users can’t type in the Windows search bar, a problem many have faced.

  • In this case, you can run the built-in troubleshooter, restart the critical processes, or the other verified solutions here.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows 10 issues that could be causing PC problems.

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  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

Several users have reported they can’t type in the Windows 10 search bar all over the Microsoft community.

If you are also having this issue, in this article, we are exploring what to do if you can’t type in Windows 10 Start or Search bar.

After I updated to Windows 10 the search box on the taskbar was working.A few days later I discovered that I couldn’t search anything from this box.If you have fixed this or know how to fix please share your knowledge as I rely on the search box.

Here are the most common reasons for this issue occurring:

  • Issue with the File Explorer or Cortana – If one of these elements is not working properly, you will most likely be faced with this issue.
  • Corrupted Windows update package or installation process – In this particular scenario, we advise that you revert to an earlier version of the OS.
  • Corrupted user profile – In order to fix a corrupted user profile, you have to create a new one and then move all your files.

Before trying the solutions listed next, here are a few quick things you can do since these have worked for many users:

  • Check the keyboard’s connection cable
  • Verify if the keyboard has not been disabled from Device Manager or BIOS
  • Restart the computer
  • Install any pending Windows updates

If the issue remains as it is, head to the next section.

1. Use a dedicated file finder/search software

One of the most straightforward solutions to avoid such errors, especially when you need to find something very quickly on your PC, is to have third-party file finder software installed on your PC.

  • Why can’t I search in the Windows search bar?
  • How do I fix not able to type in Windows search bar?
    1. Use a dedicated file finder/search software
    1. Use a PowerShell command
    1. Use the Registry to reset the Search bar
    1. Execute an alternative user input file
    1. Restart the Windows Explorer process
    1. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

Third-party software apps come with up-to-date features like keyword maps that can search through unstructured data, giving you more results than your standard operating system search feature.

On top of that, dedicated file searchers can also look for keywords in your emails or document type of files to ensure you find what you are looking for.

Copernic Desktop Search is an excellent option because it can index and search over 150 file types and emails. On top of that, it has fast results and keeps your data extremely secure.

2. Use a PowerShell command

  • Press Windows + R to open Run, type powershell in the text field, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  • Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  • In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers |Where-Object {$.InstallLocation -like “SystemApps”} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
  • Once done, reboot the computer, and verify if the problem is resolved.
  • In case it’s not, again open PowerShell and run the following command:$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest

These two commands have fixed things for many when they can’t type in the Windows start menu. So, make sure to give it a try.

Find relevant data effortlessly with this amazing search program.

If you can’t type in the Windows search bar, try the Registryprocess; it should fix things for most.

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click here to download and start repairing.

Expert tip:

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  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type regedit in the text field, and click OK.

  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt that appears.

  3. Now, paste the following path in the address bar at the top and hit Enter:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search

  4. Double-click on the SetupCompletedSuccessfully entry.

  5. Enter 0 under Value data and click OK to save the changes.

  6. Now, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

4. Execute an alternative user input file

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Now, paste the following command and click OK:C:\Windows\system32\ctfmon.exe

5. Restart the Windows Explorer process

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, and click on Run new task.
  • Enter explorer.exe in the text field, tick the Create this task with administrative privileges checkbox, and click OK.

6. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

  • Press Windows + R to open Run, type the control panel in the text field, and click OK.
  • Select Large icons from the View by dropdown menu.
  • Click on Troubleshooting.
  • Click on View all from the left.
  • Now, locate and click on the Search and Indexing troubleshooter.
  • Click Next.
  • Choose Can’t start a search or see results, and click Next.
  • Wait for the troubleshooter to run entirely. If the problem persists after that, choose the other options in the troubleshooter and rerun it.

This method will also help when the Windows 10 Explorer search bar is not typing. However, if this does not solve it, we prepared more solutions to revitalize the File Explorer’s search functionality.

  • Windows 10 Start Menu Search is not working
  • Start Menu Disappears in Windows 10 & 11
  • Cortana not working in Windows 10 & 11
  • Full Fix: Start Menu Disappears in Windows 10/11, 7

If you couldn’t type in the Windows search bar until now, the problem would be resolved with our expert solutions.

Please tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

  • windows 10 errorsWindows Search

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