Steps to fix SearchProtocolHost.exe error on Windows

These problems can come from the system itself or from third-party apps installed on the device. Most of these errors can be fixed in a few steps.

One of the problems you may encounter is the SearchProtocolHost.exe application error. If you are having this problem, the following guide will provide some solutions you can do to fix the problem.

What is SearchProtocolHost.exe error?

The SearchProtocolHost.exe process is part of the Windows Indexing Service, which indexes various files in the system, so you can easily find them when you need them. This is an important process of the system. Do not remove or disable when you see it running in your system.

However, this process sometimes encounters errors. This problem is usually caused by an infected, corrupted, or missing executable file, which usually occurs when you start the computer. Here are other causes of this error:

1. The SearchProtocolHost.exe registry is invalid or corrupted.
2. The malware infection corrupted the SearchProtocolHost.exe file.
3. A piece of software unrelated to your Windows system mistakenly deleted or infected the SearchProtocolHost.exe file.
4. A third-party program conflicts with the Windows system and some of its files.
5. SearchProtocolHost.exe is corrupted due to incomplete download or installation.

How to fix SearchProtocolHost.exe error on Windows computer

SearchProtocolHost.exe errors come in different forms. The most common error you will get when this process crashes or crashes is

"SearchProtocolHost.exe – Application Error. The exception unknown software exception (0x0241938e) occurred in the application at location 0x000000006931759E".

However, you may also receive other error messages for the same problem, such as:

1. SearchProtocolHost.exe does not have a valid signature
2. SearchProtocolHost.exe stopped working
3. Microsoft Windows Search Protocol Host has stopped working
4. Outlook: SearchProtocolHost.exe stopped working
5. The instruction at 0x00f01e40 referenced memory at 0x00f01e40. The memory could not be written.

If you experience any of the above error messages, follow the steps below to fix the problem in your Windows PC.

1. Virus scan

In some cases, you may see several SearchProtocolHost processes running on the Task Manager. This usually indicates that your computer is infected with a virus or malware and you must clean your computer immediately. Some viruses disguise themselves as legitimate processes or even worse, replace them.

You can fix this problem by running a full system scan using Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus software if available. If the case is serious, you need to perform a Windows Defender Offline scan when starting the computer. If the system fails to boot, you can also use the Antivirus Rescue boot media.

After scanning and cleaning the system, check if the error is still there. If so, follow these troubleshooting steps.

2. Repair files through SFC scan

If a corrupted file is causing the SearchProtocolHost.exe error, running a System File Checker (SFC) scan usually fixes the problem. This built-in Windows troubleshooter looks for any corrupted files in the system and fixes them for you.

Note: Don't panic if the scan takes a long time. Scanning 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 the Windows Search service

Sometimes, the Windows Search service is disabled, causing SearchProtocolHost.exe to encounter some errors. If this is the case for you, enabling the service may help fix the problem. Follow the steps below to check and enable the Windows Search service:

Step 1: Open Run by pressing and holding Windows key + R. Then type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.

Step 2: On the Services window, look for the Windows Search service.

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Step 3: Once located, right-click on the service and press Start or Restart, depending on the options available.

Step 4: Then, double click on the entry to open its properties.

Step 5: In the General tab, click the drop-down box next to the Startup type option and select Automatic (Delayed Start). Next, check the Service status and make sure it's running. Then, click Apply > OK to save the changes.

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Step 6: Close the Services window and restart the computer. Check if this fixes the problem.

3. Uninstall recent Windows update

Some users have reported receiving this error after installing a recent Windows update. If you recently installed a new update, that could be the cause. Uninstalling it might fix the problem.

4. Reinstall Microsoft Office

If you are facing the SearchProtocolHost.exe error on a Microsoft Office application, removing it from the system and reinstalling will usually fix the problem. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Run by pressing Win + R. Then type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.

Step 2: Find Microsoft Office from the list, right click on it and select Uninstall.

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Step 3: Follow the on-screen uninstallation process.

Step 4: Once it is completely uninstalled, go to the official Microsoft Office website and download it again.

Step 5: Install the app and check if the problem persists.

SearchProtocolHost.exe is a legitimate and safe process on Windows systems. There are other processes in the system that you may encounter. If you see a strange process in Task Manager, don't panic. Ending it right away could do more harm than good. Instead, do your research and check if it's a legitimate process. If you discover that it is problematic, it is best to remove it and repair the system immediately.

Lesley Montoya

Update 23 February 2022