How To Reset Windows 11 Search Settings for a Fresh Start

Published 2023-05-24

Your hard drive’s files and folders are tracked by Windows Search so you can find and access them quickly. However, over time, preferences and search settings can become less efficient, resulting in inaccurate search results or sluggish performance. Windows’s default search parameters can be modified to increase search efficiency. It removes pointless data and rectifies mistakes or conflicts brought on by information recorded in the system.

This article describes two quick ways to restore Windows Search settings to their default state. Let’s examine each one in greater depth.

Also Read: How To Fix ‘No Results Found’ Error In Windows Search?

The Ultimate Windows 11 Search Reset Guide: Elevate Your Search Game!

By following these workarounds, you can ultimately enhance your computer’s performance and provide a more efficient search experience.

Method 1: Configure The Registry Editor

You can update the registry editor to restore the default Windows Search settings. It requires explicitly altering specific registry keys, which can occasionally be harmful if done incorrectly.

Make sure to make a registry backup first in order to avoid this problem. Once finished, take these actions.

Step 1: To access the Run command, use the keyboard shortcut Win + R.

Step 2: In the dialogue box, type regedit and press the Enter key.

Step 3: Click Yes to proceed when the UAC prompt displays on the screen.

Step 4: Go to the location in the Registry Editor window.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search

Note: The route can also be copied, pasted, and entered into the window’s address bar at the top. You’ll arrive to the Windows Search section after doing this.

Step 5: Search for the key labelled SetupCompletedSuccessfully in the right pane now.

Step 6: Right-click on this key to select it, then select Modify.

Step 7: Adjust the value to 0, then click OK to save the changes.

Note: You must manually create the SetupCompletedSuccessfully key if it is missing. Right-click the Windows Search key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value to accomplish this. Rename the newly generated key as SetupCompletedSuccessfully, and keep 0 as its value.

Step 8: Exit the Registry Editor and reboot your PC after completing the aforementioned procedures for the modifications to take effect.

Also Read: Declutter Windows Search in Windows

Method 2: Use Windows PowerShell

To reset Windows Search settings, utilise PowerShell if you prefer command-line options. To restore search settings, a few straightforward tasks must be executed. This is the procedure.

Step 1: Download the ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1 PowerShell script from the Microsoft Download Page.

Step 2: Right-click the downloaded file and choose Run with PowerShell.

Step 3: If you get an error “Cannot be loaded because the running script is disabled on this system”, then you will have to enable Script Execution on your PC.

Step 4: Open PowerShell as a system administrator and enter the following command:

Get-ExecutionPolicy

Step 5: Run the following command to allow PowerShell scripts if the output is Restricted:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Step 6: Try executing Step 2 that is running the ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1 file once more after modifying the execution policy.

Note: The script resets Windows search settings after a successful execution.

Step 7: You can return the execution policy to its initial settings after resetting the Windows Search options.

Step 8: Open PowerShell once more as an administrator and enter the following command to accomplish that:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Restricted

Step 9: Reboot your PC when the execution policy has been restored to its initial setting.

Also Read: Windows 11’s Task Manager is soon going to get a Search Bar feature

Will You Reset The Search Settings In Windows 11 For Better Performance?

Certainly! Resetting the Windows Search settings can help improve search accuracy & regain full control over search functionality. Any problems you may be having with your search experience can be resolved by resetting the Windows search settings. The above mentioned steps will help you to restore the default values for Windows Search settings.

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.

Suggested Reading: