How to Fix Windows Search Application

Windows Search is a Microsoft application that expands the built-in search features in Windows operating systems. Even though Windows Search gives you greater control over your searches, sometimes Windows Search will fail to return search results. If Windows Search doesn't return results when you search for a file or folder, it is possible that you have configured Windows Search improperly or need to update the program.

• 1

  Navigate to the folder that you can't search with Windows Search, right-click the folder and select "Properties." Click the "Security" tab in the "Properties" window.

• 2

  Click the "Edit" button if "Group or user names" doesn't contain the word "SYSTEM." Click "Add" in the "Permissions" window that opens.

• 3

  Type the word "system" into the text box below "Enter the object names to select." Press the "Check Names" button. Select "SYSTEM" in the "Matching names" box and click "OK." Continue to the next step if the Windows Search application still fails after you changed the security settings.

• 4

  Click "Start," select "All Programs" and click "Windows Update." Click "Check for Updates." Windows searches the Internet for any updates available for your computer, including any updates for Windows Search. Click to place a check mark next to any updates you wish to install, and click "OK." Continue to the next step if Windows Search still fails.

• 5

  Click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Click "Uninstall a program" under "Programs." Click "Windows Search" in the list of programs and click "Uninstall."

• 6

  Navigate to the download page for Microsoft Search (see Resources.) Download and install the appropriate version of Microsoft Search for your operating system.