How to Fix Can’t Type in Windows Search Bar

Windows search is easily accessible from taskbar, it is a very helpful tool that allows users to locate the files, apps and other items quickly.

It helps you to access time zone conversions, trending searches, website navigation and fact lookups.

The search box gets refreshed on a regularly basis with engaging illustrations, enabling you to preview the expanded content in search home.

Search Home helps you to have a comprehensive view of highlights, online events and recently used items.

As a user, you can use a keyboard shortcut to open search home or by hovering over to the search box illustration.

Search results offer the web as well as PC, with recommendations and categorized options to make the searching efficient.

In this article, I will tell you why you can’t type in the Windows Search Bar for Windows 10 or 11 and how to fix it.

How to fix can’t type in Windows Search Bar

If you can’t type in the Windows Search bar, the first thing you need to do is to take is to restart Windows Explorer using the task manager.

Additionally, you can also use other methods such as try disabling Bing, opening ctfmon, or verifying the system files.

Solution 1: Restart Windows Explorer

• Open the task manager by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL keys.
• Scroll down, right-click on “Windows Explorer”, and choose “End Task”.
• Select “File” afterward “Run new task”.
• Now, type “explorer.exe” and select “OK”.
• Start using the Windows Search bar now.

Solution 2: Disable Bing

• Use the keyboard to press the WIN + R keys.
• In the search bar, type “regedit” and select “OK”.
• Follow these steps: HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft.
• Windows > CurrentVersion > Search.
• Right-click on the folder > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Now, name the value “BingSearchEnabled”.
• After that, double-click “BingSearchEnabled” to set the Value Data to “0”.
• Use the Windows Search bar now.

Solution 3: Open ctfmon

• Go to the File Explorer and open it, and select “Local Disk (C:)”.
• Follow these steps: Windows > System32 > ctfmon.exe.
• Right-click on “ctfmon.exe” and choose “Run as administrator”.
• Use the Windows Search bar now.

Solution 4: Verify the system files

• Use the keyboard to press the WIN + R keys.
• After that, type “cmd” there and select “OK”.
• Type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and hit enter.
• Now, type “sfc /scannow” and hit enter.
• Reboot your PC/computer and try to use the Windows Search bar.

What’s Next

How to Fix Search Not Working in Windows 11

How to Fix Windows 10 Search Not Working

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