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TonyPass_Personal's avatar
TonyPass_Personal
Copper Contributor
Feb 19, 2026

Search Service refuses to run

Ever since installing W11 64 in Novemeber my search function refuses to run. I have tried a half dozen fixes from DISM, to re-specifying Security settings to an re-install via ISO (keeping programs). My search settings still say my organization controls some settings even though I have tried to clean them off (no longer working)  Outlook is useless to me without search capabilities. Do i need to wipe the drive and reinstall W11 and my programs. I am at mu exhaustive limits.

Any help out there. Tony

 

3 Replies

  • Celesteebo's avatar
    Celesteebo
    Copper Contributor

    Your frustration is completely understandable—search issues in Windows 11 can be persistent and disruptive, especially after upgrades. Since you’ve already tried many fixes (DISM, security settings, reinstalling Windows, etc.) without success, it suggests the problem might be deeply rooted in system policies, residual settings, or corrupted system files.

  • I believe my Work Account is removed 

    I feel I removed the Work Account From my accounts, but it still shows up in other places like  Privacy & Security in Search and at Log in for My 365 account.

    I ran the troubleshooter and got the following errors

    I reset the Permossions and it still wont start

     

    I believe that W11 cant find the Data folder as it is looking in the wrong place. I suspect the registry.

    Thanks for your response but I need elevated help on this as I have done all the rudimentary fixes.

    Regards, Tony

  • My search settings still say my organization controls some settings even though I have tried to clean them off (no longer working)

     

    Do you have any work or school account listed under Settings > Accounts > Access work or school?

    If yes, removing it completely may resolve the issue. 

     

    Try removing it using detailed steps in this guide:

     

    https://www.kapilarya.com/disconnect-windows-11-from-work-or-school-account

     

    Additionally, I recommend to run Search & Indexing troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, and let us know what it reports back.

    Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.