Solved Search box only looking within files and nowhere else like settings, apps...

Coresus · Mar 8, 2024

Hello I'm on Windows Pro 11, version 23H2 (OS build 22631.3235)

For some reason the Windows search bar is only returning results within files, but not within apps or settings.
I think this is because I did something to disable Bing and/or websearches from the search bar, but I obviously disabled too much.
Can anyone help? Thanks.
Here's what happens when I search (as an example) for "network":

Anak · Mar 8, 2024

Hi Coresus, welcome to 11F.

See if this helps to relax the parameters for Bing search:

Change Bing SafeSearch Filters in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to change the SafeSearch filters for your account in Windows 11. Windows Search lets you search from your taskbar to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s on your device, in the cloud, or on the web. SafeSearch helps keep adult content out of your web...

www.elevenforum.com

This is the basic search tut for File Explorer in tutorials:

Search in Windows 11 File Explorer Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to use advanced search options and filters while searching for files in Windows 11 File Explorer. The Search Box in File Explorer allows you to find and view all your files and folders in one place. As you type in the Search Box, Windows Search will...

www.elevenforum.com

It helps to have indexing on and running when searching thru File Explorer:

Enable or Disable Search Indexing in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable search indexing for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Indexing the content of your PC helps you get faster results when your searching it for files, emails, or other local content. The search index only includes your selected locations...

www.elevenforum.com

Check near the bottoms of the tutorials under Related Tutorials, there may be ones there that will help but IDK about.

The main index:

Tutorial Index

Index of Windows 11 Tutorials.

www.elevenforum.com

Sir_George · Mar 8, 2024

Coresus said:
Hello I'm on Windows Pro 11, version 23H2 (OS build 22631.3235)

For some reason the Windows search bar is only returning results within files, but not within apps or settings.
I think this is because I did something to disable Bing and/or websearches from the search bar, but I obviously disabled too much.
Can anyone help? Thanks.
Here's what happens when I search (as an example) for "network":

Coresus said:
Hello I'm on Windows Pro 11, version 23H2 (OS build 22631.3235)

For some reason the Windows search bar is only returning results within files, but not within apps or settings.
I think this is because I did something to disable Bing and/or websearches from the search bar, but I obviously disabled too much.
Can anyone help? Thanks.
Here's what happens when I search (as an example) for "network":

View attachment 89497

As a starting point, have you tried SFC & DISM. If not, visit the link below.

How to Repair Corrupted Windows System Files with the SFC and DISM Commands

You should try to fix the problem before you nuke your Windows installation.

www.howtogeek.com

Coresus · Mar 8, 2024

Thank you both, and in particular Sir_George.
The one that worked from me was one of the options in this Tutorial from the Tutorial index:.
Specifically, I added (back?) Copilot and Web Icons in Windows Search with "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions".
This got me back to searching within settings and apps (rather than solely within files) in the Windows search bar.
It also put back Bing and other web stuff into the Search (and these were the things I was looking to get rid of in the first place), but I was then able to remove them though Settings>Privacy and Security>Search permissions>Web search.
Thanks again.
Coresus

Anak · Mar 8, 2024

You're welcome.

Coresus · Mar 8, 2024

Sorry, it looks like I spoke too soon. The search history made it look like things were back to normal, but in fact they aren't.
I am still not able to search for any settings in Windows search.
In fact, even the search box in the settings window returns nothing (I guess it's just the same search engine).
See examples below, one where I start typing "bluetooth" (and nothing comes up), and the other where I actually search for "accounts" and it says "no results". Surely this can't be right?

Sir_George · Mar 8, 2024

Coresus said:
Sorry, it looks like I spoke too soon. The search history made it look like things were back to normal, but in fact they aren't.
I am still not able to search for any settings in Windows search.
In fact, even the search box in the settings window returns nothing (I guess it's just the same search engine).
See examples below, one where I start typing "bluetooth" (and nothing comes up), and the other where I actually search for "accounts" and it says "no results". Surely this can't be right?

View attachment 89513

View attachment 89514

Just a shot in the dark; did you install a Windows Update recently? If so, try uninstalling and see if that works.

Coresus · Mar 8, 2024

Thanks for getting back.
As a matter of fact, yes I did, as part of my initial troubleshooting process, but this was AFTER the problem had appeared.
However just to be sure, I uninstalled the update. The problem is still there.

Anak · Mar 8, 2024

Do you have search indexing enabled?

Enable or Disable Search Indexing in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable search indexing for all users in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Indexing the content of your PC helps you get faster results when your searching it for files, emails, or other local content. The search index only includes your selected locations...

www.elevenforum.com

As always check the related tutorials in the box near the bottom of tut, you may have to use this to get search to run again.

Reset and Rebuild Search Index in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to manually reset and rebuild the search index for accurate search results in Windows 11. Indexing the content of your PC helps you get faster results when your searching it for files, emails, or other local content. The search index only includes your selected...

www.elevenforum.com

glasskuter · Mar 8, 2024

Perform a quick clean boot to eliminate software conflict causing the issue. If it doesn't happen in a clean boot, you have some software conflicting with Windows. Brink's procedure will help you weed out which one. Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts Tutorial

If it still happens in clean boot, From what you stated it appears this probably stemmed from one of the changes you made. If you do not know which one and have no backup to to restore from, do a Repair Install Windows 11 Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial

Edit: if you have no backup and know when this issue started, attempt a system restore.

Coresus · Mar 8, 2024

Thank you Glasskuter, using the clean boot method, I got things back to how there were, and from there, back to how I want them.

glasskuter · Mar 8, 2024

Coresus said:
using the clean boot method, I got things back to how there were, and from there, back to how I want them.

Good to know. Just to clarify, you found what app was causing the problem and then returned your system to normal boot. Correct?

Coresus · Mar 9, 2024

To tell the truth, I did it in various stages whilst doing other stuff , and I wasn't as methodical as I would have liked, so unfortunately I'm not really sure (which is kinda dum, I know).
Thank you very much anyway. You helped me sort it out.

Solved Search box only looking within files and nowhere else like settings, apps...

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