Resolved: Fixing No Web Results Issue in Windows Search

Step 1: Restart the Windows Search Feature

Initiating a restart of the Windows Search feature can fix temporary glitches that cause web results to not appear:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Locate Windows Search, right-click it, and select Properties.
4. Click the Stop button to halt the service.
5. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows and delete all files and folders there.
6. Set Startup type to Automatic, then click Start.
7. Apply the changes and click OK.
8. Reboot your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

Pro Tip: Make sure to frequently restart Windows Search to keep it running optimally.

Step 2: Run the Indexing Troubleshooter

Using the built-in troubleshooter can identify and fix indexing issues:

1. Press the Windows key and open Settings.
2. Select System, then navigate to Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
4. Locate Search and Indexing and click the Run button next to it.

Step 3: Rebuild the Search Index

Rebuilding the search index can rectify any corrupted entries:

1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel into the search bar, and press Open.
2. Search for Indexing Options and click on it to open.
3. In the Indexing Options dialog, select Advanced.
4. Under Troubleshooting in the Advanced Options dialog, click Rebuild.
5. Confirm by clicking OK; be aware this operation may take time.

Pro Tip: Ensure all unnecessary applications are closed when rebuilding the index for optimal performance.

Step 4: Execute DISM and SFC Scans

Running these scans checks and repairs system corruption:

1. Open the Start Menu, search for cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
2. Enter the command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.
3. Follow this with sfc /scannow and press Enter again.
4. Restart your computer after the scans complete.

Step 5: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Rolling back an update can resolve newly introduced issues:

1. Press the Windows key, navigate to Settings.
2. Select Windows Update and click on Update history.
3. Under Related settings, choose Uninstall updates.
4. Select the latest update and click Uninstall.
5. Restart to check if the no web results issue persists.

Step 6: Reset Your PC

As a last resort, resetting your PC can solve deep-rooted issues:

1. Press the Windows key and click Settings.
2. Go to System, then click Recovery from the left sidebar.
3. Click on Reset PC.
4. Select whether to keep your files or delete everything.
5. Choose a method: Cloud download or Local reinstall.
6. Click Next and confirm by pressing Reset.

Pro Tip: Backup crucial files before proceeding with a reset to avoid data loss.

What should I do if my search still shows no web results after following the steps?

Can I avoid encountering this issue in the future?