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


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Coresus

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5:38 AM
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Windows 11
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":

1709900024280.png
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Hi Coresus, welcome to 11F.

See if this helps to relax the parameters for Bing search:
www.elevenforum.com

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 www.elevenforum.com

This is the basic search tut for File Explorer in tutorials:
www.elevenforum.com

Search in Windows 11 File Explorer

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 www.elevenforum.com

It helps to have indexing on and running when searching thru File Explorer:
www.elevenforum.com

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 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 www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro (x64) Version 23H2 Used Enable...2.10 gigahertz Intel 12th Gen Core i7-1270015.78 of 16 Gigabytes Usable Installed MemoryIntel(R) UHD Graphics 770 [Display adapter]
OS
Windows 11 Pro (x64) Version 23H2 Used Enablement Package (build 22631.2861)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Aspire TC-1760 1.0
CPU
2.10 gigahertz Intel 12th Gen Core i7-12700
Motherboard
Acer Aspire TC-1760 1.0 Bus: 100 megahertz UEFI: American Megatrends Inc. R01-A4 02/21/2022
Memory
15.78 of 16 Gigabytes Usable Installed Memory
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) UHD Graphics 770 [Display adapter]
Sound Card
Realtek(R) Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer KA242Y A (24.0"vis, s/n 6243003C23E00, October 2022)
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
c: (NTFS on drive 1) * 510.74 GB SSD
d: (NTFS on drive 0) 1.00 TB 7200rpm SATA HHD
* Operating System is installed on c:
PSU
300w OEM
Case
OEM
Cooling
OEM
Keyboard
OEM
Mouse
Logitech M325 add-on
Internet Speed
Vz Fios; Png 20ms DL 110.82Mbps UL 122.49Mbps | speedtest
Browser
FireFox (64bit) Updated Regulary, now at 125.0.3 (64bit)
Antivirus
Windows Security | Came with Norton Ultra trial but has since been uninstalled
Other Info
Canon MG3200 Printer
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":
Click to expand...

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

www.howtogeek.com

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 www.howtogeek.com
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 ProfessionalIntel Core i5-940032GBIntegrated Intel UHD Graphics 630
OS
Windows 11 Professional
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Microcenter B677
CPU
Intel Core i5-9400
Motherboard
ASRock H310CM-HDV/M.2
Memory
32GB
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630
Sound Card
Intel Kaby Lake - High Definition Audio / cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech) [A0]
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Model: GSM59F1
Screen Resolution
2560x1080
Case
Lian Li 205M
Antivirus
Kaspersky AV
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
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
You're welcome.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro (x64) Version 23H2 Used Enable...2.10 gigahertz Intel 12th Gen Core i7-1270015.78 of 16 Gigabytes Usable Installed MemoryIntel(R) UHD Graphics 770 [Display adapter]
OS
Windows 11 Pro (x64) Version 23H2 Used Enablement Package (build 22631.2861)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Aspire TC-1760 1.0
CPU
2.10 gigahertz Intel 12th Gen Core i7-12700
Motherboard
Acer Aspire TC-1760 1.0 Bus: 100 megahertz UEFI: American Megatrends Inc. R01-A4 02/21/2022
Memory
15.78 of 16 Gigabytes Usable Installed Memory
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) UHD Graphics 770 [Display adapter]
Sound Card
Realtek(R) Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer KA242Y A (24.0"vis, s/n 6243003C23E00, October 2022)
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
c: (NTFS on drive 1) * 510.74 GB SSD
d: (NTFS on drive 0) 1.00 TB 7200rpm SATA HHD
* Operating System is installed on c:
PSU
300w OEM
Case
OEM
Cooling
OEM
Keyboard
OEM
Mouse
Logitech M325 add-on
Internet Speed
Vz Fios; Png 20ms DL 110.82Mbps UL 122.49Mbps | speedtest
Browser
FireFox (64bit) Updated Regulary, now at 125.0.3 (64bit)
Antivirus
Windows Security | Came with Norton Ultra trial but has since been uninstalled
Other Info
Canon MG3200 Printer
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?

1709910332198.png


1709910375010.png
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
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
Click to expand...
Just a shot in the dark; did you install a Windows Update recently? If so, try uninstalling and see if that works.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 ProfessionalIntel Core i5-940032GBIntegrated Intel UHD Graphics 630
OS
Windows 11 Professional
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Microcenter B677
CPU
Intel Core i5-9400
Motherboard
ASRock H310CM-HDV/M.2
Memory
32GB
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630
Sound Card
Intel Kaby Lake - High Definition Audio / cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech) [A0]
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Model: GSM59F1
Screen Resolution
2560x1080
Case
Lian Li 205M
Antivirus
Kaspersky AV
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.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Do you have search indexing enabled?
www.elevenforum.com

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 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.
www.elevenforum.com

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 www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro (x64) Version 23H2 Used Enable...2.10 gigahertz Intel 12th Gen Core i7-1270015.78 of 16 Gigabytes Usable Installed MemoryIntel(R) UHD Graphics 770 [Display adapter]
OS
Windows 11 Pro (x64) Version 23H2 Used Enablement Package (build 22631.2861)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Acer Aspire TC-1760 1.0
CPU
2.10 gigahertz Intel 12th Gen Core i7-12700
Motherboard
Acer Aspire TC-1760 1.0 Bus: 100 megahertz UEFI: American Megatrends Inc. R01-A4 02/21/2022
Memory
15.78 of 16 Gigabytes Usable Installed Memory
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) UHD Graphics 770 [Display adapter]
Sound Card
Realtek(R) Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer KA242Y A (24.0"vis, s/n 6243003C23E00, October 2022)
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
c: (NTFS on drive 1) * 510.74 GB SSD
d: (NTFS on drive 0) 1.00 TB 7200rpm SATA HHD
* Operating System is installed on c:
PSU
300w OEM
Case
OEM
Cooling
OEM
Keyboard
OEM
Mouse
Logitech M325 add-on
Internet Speed
Vz Fios; Png 20ms DL 110.82Mbps UL 122.49Mbps | speedtest
Browser
FireFox (64bit) Updated Regulary, now at 125.0.3 (64bit)
Antivirus
Windows Security | Came with Norton Ultra trial but has since been uninstalled
Other Info
Canon MG3200 Printer
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.
 

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System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
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.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Coresus said:
using the clean boot method, I got things back to how there were, and from there, back to how I want them.
Click to expand...
Good to know. Just to clarify, you found what app was causing the problem and then returned your system to normal boot. Correct?
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.8655
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
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.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
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