8 Ways to Fix Can't Type in Windows 11 Search Bar

Windows 11, like any other operating system, is not immune to defects. Many users have reported issues with the Windows 11 search bar not working properly. The search bar is a powerful tool that allows you to find specific apps, files, or settings by typing in the search box. If you're experiencing issues with typing in the Windows 11 search bar, here are 8 ways to fix it.

• Way 1: Restart Windows Search Service
• Way 2: Restart Cortana and File Explorer
• Way 3: Launch Ctfmon Service
• Way 4: Run Search and Indexing Tool
• Way 5: Run DISM & SFC Tool
• Way 6: Use Command in Windows Powershell
• Way 7: Start Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Service
• Way 8: Reset Your Windows System

How to Fix "Can't Type in Windows 11 Search Bar" Issue

Way 1: Restart Windows Search Service

The Windows Search Service is essential for the search bar to function properly. If the service encounters issues, you may experience problems with typing in the search bar. To fix this, you can restart the Windows Search Service.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R and enter services.msc in the Run window.

Step 2: Right-click on Windows Search and select Restart.

Way 2: Restart Cortana and File Explorer

Cortana and File Explorer are background processes that ensure the search bar functions normally. Restarting these processes can help resolve issues with typing in the search bar.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Step 2: Right-click on Windows Explorer and choose Restart.

Step 3: Right-click on Cortana and choose End task. Then press Alt + F4 to restart your PC and relaunch Cortana again.

Way 3: Launch Ctfmon Service

Ctfmon.exe manages active windows and provides text input service support. Issues with Ctfmon service can cause problems with typing in the search bar. To resolve this, you can run ctfmon.exe.

Press Win + R and enter C:\Windows\system32\ctfmon.exe.

Click OK to launch Ctfmon Service and check if your Windows search bar works again.

Way 4: Run Search and Indexing Tool

The Search and Indexing tool is designed to detect and fix problems with Windows Search. Running this tool can help resolve issues with typing in the search bar.

Step 1: Press Win + I to go to Settings and enter Troubleshooter settings > Other Troubleshooters. Then scroll down to find Search and Indexing and click the Run button next to it.

Step 2: Check the boxes for the problems you notice and click on Next. The Search and Indexing tool will troubleshoot your search bar and fix the problem.

Step 3: When completed, you may successfully fix your Windows search bar not typing in Windows 11.

Way 5: Run DISM & SFC Tool

Running DISM (Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management) and SFC (System File Checker) can help troubleshoot and restore corrupt system files, resolving issues with the search bar.

Step 1: Press Win + R to activate the Run window. Then enter cmd in the Run window and click OK.

Step 2: Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the Command Prompt and hit Enter.

Step 3: Wait until the DISM restore operation completes successfully. Then enter SFC /scannow and press Enter to run the SFC tool. After finishing, reboot your PC.

Way 6: Use Command in Windows Powershell

Step 1: Press Win + R and type powershell in the Run window.

Step 2: Copy and paste PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted into Windows Powershell and hit Enter.

Step 3: Copy and paste the following command into Windows Powershell and hit Enter.
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.InstallLocation -like "*SystemApps*"} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This Powershell command can help you reinstall default apps on your PC, potentially fixing the "can't type in Windows 11 search bar" issue. After entering the command, restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

Way 7: Start Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Service

Enabling the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting service can resolve issues with the search bar not working. Some users have reported success with this method.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start Menu icon and choose Computer Management.

Step 2: Enter Services and Applications and choose Services.

Step 3: Find and double-click on Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Service. Then click Start to enable it and set Automatic as the Startup type.

Way 8: Reset Your Windows System

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reset your Windows system. Follow the steps to reset your system without losing personal files.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app. Then go to System > Recovery and click on Reset PC.

Step 2: Choose the Keep my files option. Your system will be restored to its default settings, removing apps and custom settings but keeping your personal files. After resetting, check if your search bar works again.

These are 8 ways to fix the "can't type in Windows 11 search bar" issue. Losing search bar functionality can be inconvenient, but hopefully, these steps will help you resolve the problem quickly.