Sometimes the Windows Search doesn’t work. There are no error codes either. In that case, it’s best to check error logs in the Event Viewer. Look for an error present in Windows error logs with the Event ID 3104. Does it say Enumerating user sessions to generate filter pools failed? If yes, then in this post, we are answering how you can fix it. The full error message goes as:
Enumerating user sessions to generate filter pools failed.
It may also include (HRESULT : 0x80040210) (0x80040210) in the details section of the log.
The error occurs because something prohibits the search function from initializing. Many users assume that it’s because of Cortana, but that’s not necessarily the case. Some users have also reported that the error occurs after restarting the system. This error has also been reported on Windows Server with the same event id 3104.
Reasons behind Event ID 3104 Windows Search error
- Problems in the Registry entry of Windows search
- An issue with the SYSTEM account where it hasn’t been added to the DCOM Security
- The Windows Search function hasn’t initialized.
Enumerating user sessions to generate filter pools failed
If you are already facing the error, try the following approach step by step to resolve the problem:
- Manually rebuild the Search Index.
- Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
- Check the startup type of Windows Search Service
- Registry fix.
1] Manually rebuild the Search Index
To rebuild the Search Index, Open Control Panel > Indexing Options and click Advanced. Next, on the Index Settings tab, click Rebuild > OK.
2] Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
The Search and Indexing troubleshooter could check for general problems with the Windows 10 search function and resolve them if possible.
Click on the Start button and go to Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot.
Select the Search and Indexing troubleshooter and run it.
Restart the system once done.
3] Check the startup type of Windows Search Service
If the Windows Search Service doesn’t start, you need to check up the startup type of the service.
Open the Run window (WIN + R), and type the command services.msc. Press Enter to open the Services Manager.
Locate Windows Search Service (WSearch). Right-click on it, and choose Properties.
Change the Startup type to Automatic and hit Start (If the service is in Stop state.)
Click on Apply and then on OK.
Restart your computer.
4] Change Registry entry for Windows Search
Windows Search Registry entry is available at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search
You need to change the value of key SetupCompletedSuccessfully to 0.
Follow the complete instructions on how to change it in our post – Windows Search Indexer is not working. In that same post, we have suggested some more fixes including options to rebuild the index, search box issues, and more. Do read, and see what you can try to resolve this issue.
All the best.