How to reset Windows Search to fix problems on Windows 10

On Windows 10, Windows Search is the feature that allows you to search virtually anything locally available, including apps, files, and settings as well as content from the web like weather, currency, and files stored in the cloud from the taskbar using the Start menu or search box. 

Although Windows Search usually just works, if you’re having problems with the feature (for example, if the indexer isn’t working, you can’t change the settings, or you see a specific error), you can now use a PowerShell command to reset the search components to resolve most issues. 

The reset command is available since Windows 10 Insider Preview build 20175, and it’s not available only to reset the Windows 10 search, but you can also reset many other system components (such as Start menu and Settings app) and virtually any Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app to repair issues when it’s not possible to uninstall or reset the component using the Settings app.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to reset the Windows Search components to fix problems with the feature on Windows 10.

How to reset Windows Search with PowerShell on Windows 10

To reset the Windows Search components, use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 10.

2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to reset the Start menu components and press Enter:

   Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Search | Reset-AppxPackage

   

Once you complete the steps, the Windows Search components will reset to resolve issues with the feature. However, this process will not rebuild the index database or change settings to defaults.

In the case the command isn’t working, it’s likely because you don’t have the version of Windows 10 that supports this feature or you’re not running PowerShell as an administrator. The ability to reset system applications is available starting with build 20175.