Windows 11 Search freezes for ~30 seconds after startup (with video)

The issue you're experiencing with Windows 11 Search freezing for about 30 seconds after startup could be related to several factors, including indexing problems or service delays. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter: This built-in tool can help identify and fix problems with Windows Search. To run it, open a Command Prompt and execute the command:

      msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic
   

2. Restart Windows Search: Sometimes, simply restarting the Search process can resolve temporary issues. You can do this by:
   • Pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete, selecting Task Manager.
   • In the Details tab, right-click on SearchUI.exe (for Windows 10) or SearchHost.exe (for Windows 11) and select End task. This will restart the search process the next time you initiate a search.
3. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your system is fully updated as updates can often resolve bugs and improve performance. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
4. Regenerate the Microsoft.Windows.Search package AppData folder: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to delete the AppData folder associated with Windows Search and then re-register the package. This involves:
   • Deleting the folder located at %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Search\_cw5n1h2txyewy (for Windows 10) or %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS\_cw5n1h2txyewy (for Windows 11).
   • Using PowerShell to re-register the package.
5. Reset Windows Search: If the issue persists, you can reset Windows Search. For Windows 11, you can use a PowerShell script to reset it, ensuring you have administrator permissions.
6. Check the Windows Font Cache Service: Sometimes, issues with the Windows Font Cache Service can affect search performance. Restarting this service may help.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider providing feedback through the Feedback Hub, as this can help Microsoft improve the Search feature in future updates.

References:

• Fix problems in Windows Search
• Troubleshoot Windows Search performance

Hi Zubaer,

Thank you for posting, I am here to help. I’m Sorry you are having this Problem.

Please try this steps lets see if this will help:

Run the search and indexing troubleshooter. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type cmd and press Enter. At the command prompt,

run the following command:

msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Restart Windows Search

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and then select Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, select the Details tab. In the Name column, right-click SearchUI.exe, and then select End task.

When you're prompted to end SearchUI.exe, select End process.

Let me know how this goes. Looking forward to helping you out.  If you need more help please feel free to let me know. If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer".

Best regards,

Jansher