Windows Search - Windows 11 Service
Provides content indexing, property caching, and search results for files, e-mail, and other content.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 7, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 22H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 23H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| 24H2 | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Windows Search |
| Service name: | WSearch |
| Type: | own |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\SearchIndexer.exe /Embedding |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Windows Search service is running as LocalSystem in its own process of SearchIndexer.exe. It doesn't share its process with other services. If Windows Search fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the WSearch service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Windows Search is unable to start, if at least one of the following services is stopped or disabled:
If Windows Search is stopped, the following services cannot start:
Restore Default Startup Type for Windows Search
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsSearchWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the SearchIndexer.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.