Microsoft rolls out fix for broken Windows Start Menu search

MICROSOFT ROLLS OUT FIX FOR BROKEN WINDOWS START MENU SEARCH

Microsoft has pushed a server-side fix for a known issue that broke the Windows Start Menu search feature on a subset of Windows 11 devices running 23H2. The problem, attributed to a recent server-side Bing update aimed at improving search performance, has affected only a small number of users since April 6. A release health update, WI1273488, seen by outlets covering the story, states that the issues were limited in scope and tied directly to the Bing update. Microsoft indicated that the buggy update has been pulled, and those affected should see improvements as the fix is gradually rolled out to devices.

The company explained that the interruption to search results coincided with the Bing update designed to boost search performance. To mitigate the issue, the server-side Bing change was rolled back, and reports of search failures have been steadily decreasing. Users are advised to ensure their devices are connected to the internet and that Web Search has not been disabled by Group Policy in order to receive the fix as it propagates. The resolution is expected to occur automatically as the server-side fix continues to roll out to affected machines.

This isn’t the first time Windows users have encountered Start Menu-related issues. In November, Microsoft published a temporary workaround for a bug that could crash the Start Menu, File Explorer, and other core components on systems provisioning updates released since July 2025. The problem was linked to XAML packages not registering in time after updates, which could lead to a crash of the Start Menu and related components, missing taskbars even when Explorer was running, and failures to launch the Settings app. While a permanent fix remains in development, Microsoft provided steps to manually register the missing XAML packages for affected systems and advised affected users to monitor for updates as more reliable, long-term solutions are developed.

Beyond that November issue, Microsoft has previously addressed other Start Menu and search-related problems. For instance, there were reports in May about Start Menu jump lists on Windows 10 22H2, and in June 2023 Microsoft addressed a bug that caused Windows Search and the Start Menu to become unresponsive. In each case, the company offered workarounds or fixes to ease the disruption while a broader, more permanent solution was pursued.

As of now, Microsoft reiterates that the issue with Start Menu search should gradually resolve as the server-side fix is deployed. Users should remain connected to the internet and ensure that their Web Search settings are not disabled by policy, to receive the fix as soon as it becomes available on their devices. The situation underscores how even server-side changes intended to enhance performance can ripple across client systems, necessitating careful rollback and staged rollouts as companies work to restore normal functionality without widespread disruption.