7 Methods: How to Fix SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error – Windows 11, 10, 8

Windows OS is continuously updated to fix bugs and address any issues found in previous versions, ensuring an error-free working environment. However, sometimes, for unknown reasons, problems may arise, leading to errors like “SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error” during Windows startup or when launching apps.

Error Message:

SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error

The exception unknown software exception (0x0241938e) occurred in the application at location 0x000000005971319A.

SearchProtocolHost.exe is a process related to the Windows Search functionality in the Windows operating system. When you encounter a SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error, it typically indicates a problem with the search indexing or search functionality on your system.

If you are one of those facing the previously mentioned error on your PC and attempting to fix it, keep reading the solutions mentioned below.

Cause:

There may be various reasons that can trigger the "SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error" on your Windows 8/10/11 operating system. Some of the most prominent reasons are as follows:

  1. Corrupted search index database
  2. Malware or Virus infection
  3. Outdated or incompatible software
  4. System file corruption
  5. Insufficient system resources
  6. Windows search service is stopped or disabled.
  7. Etc.

 Above are some common reasons responsible for triggering the SearchProtocolHost.exe error. Here, we provide you with some easy yet effective solutions. By trying each method one by one, you can effectively resolve the previously mentioned errors.

Method 1: Fix using PC Repair Tool

Windows is made with huge number of dll files, exe files, sys files, various types of services, databases, etc so, it is not possible to keep monitoring all the files always. A brilliant PC Optimizer tool repairs damages, fix errors, update windows and drivers, and eliminate various types of errors silently.

Outbyte PC Repair Tool does all the above task easily and provides you an errorfree and smooth Windows environment to work so that you can focus on your business only.

3 Steps to Fix this Error
Step 1. Download Outbyte PC Repair Tool [File Size: 16.4 MB]
Step 2. SCAN your Windows PC
Step 3. Click Fix button to Repair Error
System Requirements       Features      Awards      Windows 11/10/8/7 Comaptible

Method 2: Restart your computer.

Restarting should be the initial step in troubleshooting any electronic device. When you restart your computer, it loads a fresh version of all the services, system files, and drivers, often resolving the issue magically.

Method 3: Update your Windows OS completely.

An outdated version of the Windows operating system and installed applications can lead to various problems, including the SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error. It is essential to update the Windows operating system, all installed applications, and drivers completely. It has been observed that after updating Windows, many problems are often resolved easily.

Step 1: Right click on Start → Settings → Windows update

windows_updates

Step 2: Click on the Check for updates button and install the updates.

https://www.how2fixerror.com/additional-ways-to-install-updates-in-windows-10-11/

Method 4: Rebuild the search index.

If the search index becomes corrupted or incomplete, it can trigger the SearchProtocolHost.exe application error. Rebuilding the search index can help resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open Indexing options. There are two ways to open it.

1. Open Control panel. Change view to small icon and click on the Indexing Options to open it.
open_indexing_options

2. Go to Start → Search Indexing Options and open it.
indexing_options

Step 2: Click on the Advanced button.

indexing_advanced_options

Step 3: Click on the Rebuild button inside the Troubleshooting section.

indexing_rebuild

Step 4: Press OK to allow rebuilding the search and indexing.

indexing_rebuilding_confirm

Method 5: Run malware/virus scanner.

Malware and viruses are crucial factors that can lead to the SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error. To resolve the issue, it is essential to scan and clean your computer using a reliable and effective antivirus tool.

Method 6: Restart Windows search service

After recovering from a malware/virus attack, various Windows functions may become disabled. This can occur not only due to viruses/malware but also because of other reasons, such as installing incompatible software, outdated drivers, or issues with registry files. These factors can also affect Windows Search and Indexing functionalities, leading to similar problems.

You can start, enable, or restart the Windows search by following the steps below:

Step 1: Open Windows service manager. Press Win + R to open Run dialog box. Type services.msc in the run command and press Enter on your keyboard or click Ok.

open service windows in Windows 10 & 11

Step 2: Scroll down and search for Windows search. Right click on it and select Properties.

windows_search_service

Step 3: Select Startup type: Automatic and press Apply button. Now, Click on the Start button in Service status box and Press Ok.

start_windows_search

Method 7: Repair corrupted Windows files using the SFC, Dism, and Chkdsk command.

SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK are a powerful set of commands that can effectively fix Windows files and corruption issues. You can run all these commands as follows:

Step 1: Open commands prompt as administrator.

open command prompt as administrator in Windows 8, 10 & 11

Step 2: Run the following commands step by step.
sfc /scannow

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

chkdsk c:
Step 3: Upon completion of the process, make a reboot.

After following all the above-mentioned methods, you will be able to fix SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error on your Windows 7, 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 computer.

Summary

The SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error associated with Windows OS and can be fixed using the several methods like restarting windows search services, rebuilding search indexes, running malware scanner etc.