How to fix the search menu opening by itself on Windows 11

Does the search menu keep opening by itself?It automatically interrupts your activity when this happens, so it can be quite annoying.This problem is caused by several reasons, ranging from misconfigured peripherals to corrupted system files.

Let’s take a closer look and how you can fix the search menu if it keeps popping up.

1. Check the Windows key

Windows is set to launch the search menu if you press the Windows key.If you accidentally open the search menu, or if the key is somehow stuck, the search menu may stay open.

2. Unplug any peripherals

It's possible that one of your connected devices is interfering, keeping opening the Windows search menu.For example, the joystick might open the search menu if you accidentally press one of its buttons.

Unplug the devices one by one and check if this resolves the issue.Once you've identified the offending device, you can go ahead and unplug it, disable it through Device Manager, or launch its app and configure settings.

3. Check your laptop touchpad gestures

Chances are there's nothing wrong with your computer, but you've been opening the search menu without knowing it.By default, if you tap your laptop's touchpad with three fingers, Windows launches the search menu.

Here's how to adjust Windows touchpad gestures to stop opening the search menu:

1. Press Win + I to launch Setup.

2. Go to Bluetooth and Devices > Touchpad.

3. Expand the list of three-finger gestures.

4. Change Taps to Nothing.

4. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

While search and indexing issues are less common, Windows still has a dedicated troubleshooter that you can use if you run into issues.Here's how you do it:

1. Press Win + I to launch Windows Setup.

2. Go to System > Troubleshooting > Other Troubleshooters.

3. Click the "Run" button next to Search and Index.

Follow the on-screen instructions and let the troubleshooter fix any detected issues.If the "Search and Indexing" troubleshooter isn't enough to resolve the issue, move on to the next solution.

5. Close the SearchHost process

Whenever you open the Windows Search menu, the SearchHost.exe process starts running.Normally, the process stops automatically when you close the search menu.But if the menu keeps popping up, it could be a sign that the process is still running.In this case, you should restart it.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager.Then, select the "Details" tab and search for SearchHost.exe.Right-click the process, select End Task, and confirm the action in the pop-up window.

6. Run an SFC scan

If the search menu still opens by itself after ending its process, you should run an SFC scan.This way, you can check for any errors in your system files and let Windows fix the problem for you.

7. Check Windows Services

Windows Search is a service that runs in the background and is responsible for search results, property caching, and indexing of files.Therefore, if you are facing issues with Windows search menu, you should restart its service.

Press Win + R keys to bring up the "Run" dialog box, enter services, and click OK.In the Services window, find and open Windows Search.Click "Stop" > "Start" to restart the service.

Restart your system and check if the problem is resolved.

Fix the search menu in Windows

As we mentioned, sometimes the search menu opens due to accidentally pressing the Windows key or tapping the touchpad with three fingers.Even if there are more complicated reasons, our guide will help you solve the problem.