Windows Search - Windows 8 Service
Provides content indexing, property caching, and search results for files, e-mail, and other content.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows 8 edition | Windows 8 | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 Update 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic | Automatic |
| Pro | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic | Automatic |
| Enterprise | Automatic (Delayed Start) | 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 runs as LocalSystem in its own process of SearchIndexer.exe. It does not share its process with other services. If Windows Search fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the WSearch service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Windows Search won't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
The following services are unable to start if Windows Search is stopped:
Restore Default Startup Type of Windows Search
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsSearchWindows8.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer.
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 8 installation media.