How to Rebuild the Windows 11 Search Index to Fix Missing Results

When you press the Windows key and type the name of a file or app, but nothing shows up, the Windows Search Index has likely corrupted. Rebuilding it forces Windows to rescan your entire drive.

How to Rebuild the Search Index

  1. Press the Windows key and type Indexing Options. Open it.
  2. Click the Advanced button at the bottom (you may need administrator privileges).
  3. Under the Troubleshooting section, click the Rebuild button.
  4. Click OK to confirm. This process can take several hours depending on your drive size.

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