On Windows 10 Operating system, even when you disable Cortana assistant on Windows settings, the SearchUI.exe or SearchApp.exe will still run in the background. This SearchUI process is now renamed to SearchApp.exe with the latest released versions of Windows 10.
Let’s learn how to disable SearchUI.exe or SearchApp.exe on your Windows Computer.
What is SearchApp.exe?
The SearchApp.exe executable file is related to the search function inside windows 10 and Cortana in previous windows 10 builds.
Even if you open the task manager and end the searchui.exe process on Windows 10, it will automatically restart that service again when you restart your Windows 10 PC.
So how can we stop the searchui.exe or SearchUi.exe from running permanently? Let’s learn how.
Note: I have used the Microsoft Process Explorer application to view running applications with detailed info which you can download here. Here you can see the SearchApp.exe ( Search Application ) on the latest Windows 10 version running permanently.
How to disable SearchUI.exe permanently
In older Windows versions you will see SearchUI.exe running instead of the SearchApp.exe. Follow the steps below if you wanted to disable SearchUI.exe.
- Open command prompt by searching CMD or Open Run command by pressing the Windows key + R button and type in cmd.exe and hit enter button.
- Right-click and select Run as Administrator option on your command prompt window on your taskbar. Click on Yes option on the prompt window.
- To disable the searchui.exe from command prompt enter the below code
- C:\WINDOWS\System32> taskkill /f /im SearchUI.exe
- And hit Enter key. Now it will kill the task. Now in order to kill this task permanently, we need to rename it to something else and move it to some other directory
- We will append .old to the original file and move it. To do this enter the below command as a single line and hit enter.
- C:\WINDOWS\System32> move %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy.old
- Now the file will be moved.
Update: On Windows 10 Version 2004, the SeachApp.exe is merged with the Windows Search Function so if you delete or remove it the search function might not work. So do it with caution or a restore point.
How To Stop SearchApp.exe Permanently
1. Run the following commands on the Command prompt window run as admin.
C:\WINDOWS\System32> taskkill /f /im SearchApp.exe
2. Then type the following commands to move the file.
For older Windows Version before Windows 10 version 2004 (19041.329) you have to move the Cortana folder instead.
C:\WINDOWS\System32> move %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy.old
3. For newer Windows 10 versions above Windows 10 version 2004 (19041.329) use the following commands instead
C:\WINDOWS\System32> move %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy.old
This will rename the file as shown below in the screenshot.
4. Now the Cortana SearchUI.exe or the SearchApp.exe task will not run again.
Searchapp.exe Frequently Asked Questions
To fix SearchApp.exe related issues like “application error,” “failed to start,” and “not a valid program,” you can try disabling the SearchApp.exe using the steps provided in the article. Run the “taskkill” command to end the process, then move the folder associated with the SearchApp.exe to a different directory and append “.old” to the name of the folder. This should resolve the SearchApp.exe related issues. Note: Before attempting the fix, make sure to run the Command Prompt as administrator.
Is there any risk in removing the SearchApp.exe file?
Yes, there is a risk in removing the SearchApp.exe file as it may impact the search function on your Windows 10 computer. It is recommended to proceed with caution and create a restore point before making changes.
What is The SearchApp.exe is not a valid Win32 application error?
The error “The SearchApp.exe is not a valid Win32 application” is usually encountered when the operating system is unable to run the SearchApp.exe file due to compatibility issues. This error could be caused by a number of reasons such as a damaged or corrupted file, incorrect file type, virus or malware infection, or outdated software. To fix this error, try running a virus scan to remove any potential threats, reinstalling the software, downloading a new version of the file from a reliable source, or updating the operating system to ensure compatibility with the file.
List of Searchapp.exe Errors
This tutorial also fixes the Searchapp.exe related issues like the ones mentioned below.
SearchApp.exe Application Error.
SearchApp.exe failed to start.
SearchApp.exe encountered a problem and needs to close We are sorry for the inconvenience
Error starting program SearchApp.exe application.
SearchApp.exe is not running or valid program.
SearchApp.exe not working 2021 error
Cannot find SearchApp.exe file Error
SearchApp.exe is not a valid Win64 application error
I hope our tutorial was helpful in finding out what is searchapp.exe file is and to learn how to remove it. Do share this article if you found this helpful and let us know your comments below if you are facing any issues.
He is the founder of howtodoninja.com and is an experienced tech writer and a cybersecurity enthusiast with a passion for exploring the latest technological advancements. He has 10 years of experience in writing comprehensive how-to guides, tutorials, and reviews on software, hardware, and internet services. With an interest in computer security, he strives to educate users by writing content on how to use technology, and how to also protect their smart devices and personal data from cyber threats. He currently uses a Windows computer, and a Macbook Pro, and tests hundreds of Android phones for writing his reviews and guides.
Thank you, Gowtham, for your tutorial to remove Cortana.
In Windows 10 version 2004 (19041.329, at least), the directory to rename is not
\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy
It is
Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy
to rename with .old.
You can do the rename with the explorer.
At first time before the kill. Il will be rejected (because the task is running), but leave the error window opened.
In CMD, write the taskkill command. Immediately after the Return, click, in the Error window, on Redo to do the rename. It’s necessary to do very quickly because the task SearchApp.exe runs again quickly.
Very wrong. In the 2004 version of Windows, the Cortana was separated from the search (google it for more info). Cortana can be completely uninstalled by powershell with the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage
If SearchApp.exe is blocked / removed, search from the start menu will not work in version 2004.
Worked for me after big update in 2020. Copy the kill and rename commands to the clipboard and paste them into the command prompt again and again until the timing is right. Stops the cpu from overheating and makes the laptop fan quiet.
for anyone who disabled it and wants their search bar back, you can do the following:
move %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy.old %windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy
Does it work?
Or no?
Yes it works.