Windows 10: How to rebuild the search index for the Start Menu in Windows 11

On all of my machines, I am periodically running into the problem that the search function of the Start Menu click the Start button and start typing the name of the application does not work correctly. Some items, particularly those that have been present in the Start Menu since the OS installation e.g. "Control panels", work perfectly fine. For other items, I am running into both "items that no longer exists is shown in the search results" and "items that were added later don't show up". I suspect this might be caused by the fact that I am mostly adding links to the Start Menu by copying

:)

 

Windows 10 Windows Search / Indexing Stops Completing

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps

• Press Windows key + R.
• Type Services.msc In the search box.
• Select Windows Search
• Restart the services and set the service as Automatic

If the issue persist try performing Rebuilding Index again.

To rebuild the index follow the steps below:

• Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
• Open Indexing Options in the Control Panel.
  
• Select the Advanced button in the Indexing Options window.
• Select Rebuild in the Troubleshooting section of the Advanced Options window.
• Select OK when it asks if you’re sure you want to re-build the search index.

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help

 

Force a rebuild of the start menu program index/database in Windows 10

I've been having some issues with the start menu index as well.

I'm trying out these steps to force the index to rebuild:

Right-click start menu -> Control Panel -> Indexing Options -> Advanced -> Rebuild

 

Issues with search & start menu

Hi Chris,

There are still 3 remaining troubleshooting steps you can use to resolve this issue. Follow any of the methods below:

• Rebuild the search index in Windows 10.
  • Type Indexing Options.
  • Click Advanced.
  • Click Rebuild, then OK.
    
  • Wait until the process is complete.
• Troubleshoot problems opening the Start menu or Cortana.
• If the two troubleshooting steps still didn't resolve your issue, we recommend that you use
  System Restore to a certain point that
  Search and Start menu is still properly working.

If all else fails, you might need to do a clean install of Windows 10.

Keep us updated with the results.