One of these problems you may encounter is the SearchProtocolHost.exe Application Error. If you’re experiencing this issue, this guide will provide several solutions you can do to fix the problem.
What Is the SearchProtocolHost.exe Error?
The SearchProtocolHost.exe process is a part of the Windows Indexing Service that indexes different files in your system, so you can effortlessly search them when you need to. This is a critical process of your system and should not be deleted or disabled when you see it running in your system.
However, this process sometimes runs into an error. This issue is usually caused by an infected, corrupt, or missing executable file, which typically happens when you boot your computer. Here are other causes of this error:
The SearchProtocolHost. exe registry keys are invalid or corrupted. Malware infection corrupted the SearchProtocolHost. exe file. A software unrelated to your Windows system mistakenly or maliciously deleted the SearchProtocolHost. exe file. A third-party program conflicts with your Windows system and some of its files. The SearchProtocolHost. exe is corrupted from an incomplete download or installation.
How to Fix SearchProtocolHost.exe Errors on Your Windows Computer
The SearchProtocolHost.exe errors come in different forms. The most common error you’ll receive when this process is broken or corrupted is “SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error. The exception unknown software exception (0x0241938e) occurred in the application at location 0x000000006931759E.”
However, you can also receive other error messages for the same issue, such as:
SearchProtocolHost. exe does not have a valid signature SearchProtocolHost. exe stopped working Microsoft Windows Search Protocol Host has stopped working Outlook: SearchProtocolHost. exe stopped working The instruction at 0x00f01e40 referenced memory at 0x00f01e40. The memory could not be written.
If you’ve encountered any of the error messages above, follow the steps below to fix the issue in your Windows PC.
1. Run an Antivirus Scan
In some cases, you may see several SearchProtocolHost processes running on your Task Manager. This usually indicates that your computer is infected with a virus or malware, and you have to clean your computer right away. Some viruses disguise themselves as legitimate processes or, even worse, replace them.
You can fix this problem by running a full system antivirus scan using Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus software if you have one. If the case is severe, you need to perform a Windows Defender Offline Scan when you boot your computer. If your system fails to boot, you can also use a bootable Antivirus Rescue media.
After scanning and cleaning your infected system, check if the error persists. If it does, follow the following troubleshooting steps.
2. Repair Files Through an SFC Scan
If a broken file causes the SearchProtocolHost.exe error, running a System File Checker (SFC) scan usually fixes the problem. This built-in Windows troubleshooting program looks for any corrupted files in your system and fixes them for you. Here’s how you can run an SFC scan:
Open Command Prompt as admin by using Windows search. Press and hold Windows + S keys and type CMD. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt result and click Run as administrator. On the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will run the scan. Once the scan is completed, restart your laptop and check whether you’re still getting an error in your system.
Note: Don’t panic if the scan is taking a while. The scan time depends on the number of files on your computer. So, if you have a lot of files, it may take longer than usual.
3. Enable Windows Search Service
Sometimes, the Windows Search service is turned off, which causes the SearchProtocolHost.exe to run into some errors. If this is your case, enabling the service can do the trick. Follow the steps below to check and turn on the Windows Search service:
Open Run by pressing and holding Windows + R keys. Then type services. msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window. On the Services window, look for the Windows Search service. Once located, right-click the service and press Start or Restart, depending on which option is available. Then, double-click the entry to open its properties. Under the General tab, click the drop-down box beside the Startup type option and select Automatic (Delayed Start). Next, check the Service status and make sure it’s running. Then, click Apply and OK to save changes. Close the Services window and restart your computer. Check if this fixes the issue.
3. Uninstall Recent Windows Update
Some users reported receiving this error after installing a recent Windows update. If you have recently installed a new update, this might be the cause. Uninstalling it can do the trick. Here’s how:
Press and hold Windows + I keys to open Settings. Then, click Update and security > Windows updates. On Windows updates, click View update history Then, click Uninstall updates. Lastly, check if it solves the issue.
4. Reinstall Microsoft Office
If you’re experiencing the SearchProtocolHost.exe error on your Microsoft Office app, removing it from your system and installing it again often fixes the issue. Follow the steps below:
Open Run by pressing Win + R. Then type appwiz. cpl and press Enter. Look for Microsoft Office from the list, right-click on it and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen uninstallation process. Once it’s completely uninstalled, go to the official Microsoft Office website and download it again. Install the app, and check if the issue persists.
No Need to Panic About SearchProtocolHost.exe Errors
The SearchProtocolHost.exe is a legitimate and safe process on your Windows system. There are other processes in your system that you may encounter. If you see an unfamiliar process in your Task Manager, don’t panic. Ending it right away may do more harm than good. Instead, do your research and check if it’s a legitimate process. If you find out that it isn’t, it’s best to remove it and fix your system right away.
