Guide: Fix ‘Windows 10 File Explorer Search Not Working’ Issue
Microsoft’s integration of Windows Search into File Explorer made searching for files easier, but some Windows 10 users are still experiencing errors that render the feature useless. Here are five steps to take if your PC’s File Explorer search isn’t working.
Windows 10 File Explorer’s search function is unreliable, with reports of crashes, lack of auto-suggestions and inconsistent results. However, the following troubleshooting steps can help restore it to normal.
Before attempting any solutions, users should try restarting their PC to see if it resolves the issue, as some have reported success with this approach.
1. Restart Windows Explorer
Restarting Windows Explorer can help fix File Explorer’s search functionality if it isn’t working. To do so, open Windows Task Manager and follow the steps provided.
Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Access menu and launch Task Manager.
Restart Windows Explorer by selecting it in the Apps section and tapping the Restart button in the lower right corner.
Right-clicking Windows Explorer and selecting “Restart” is an option for restarting the program.
Close all File Explorer windows and restart the program to fix any issues with the search bar.
2. Reconfigure the indexing options
If you can’t find a file on your computer, even though you know it exists, reconfigure the Windows Explorer Indexing Options to make it appear in search results. Here’s how.
Press the Windows key and R together to open the Run window.
Copy and paste the command into the Open dialog box, then tap OK or Enter to continue.
The Windows command line utility rundll32.exe can be used to access the System Restore feature, allowing users to restore their computer to an earlier point in time.
Tap the Advanced button to proceed.
Go to the File Types tab to complete the process.
Choose the ‘Index Properties and File Contents’ option to finish.
Rebuilding the Windows Explorer search index may take some time, but it can be done according to the chosen indexing option.
Tap OK to proceed with your search, even if some results may be incomplete due to an ongoing index rebuild.
If File Explorer search isn’t working, wait a bit and try again. If it still doesn’t show your files, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
3. Run the Search and Index troubleshooter
The Windows Search and Index troubleshooter can detect and fix File Explorer issues automatically.
To update Windows, open the Settings menu and select ‘Update and Security’.
Choose Troubleshoot from the right menu to begin resolving your issue.
Navigate to the Troubleshooting page and select “Search and Index” from the “Other Troubleshooting” section.
Tap the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button to diagnose and fix any issues with your device.
The ‘Search and Index’ troubleshooter has been launched.
Choose the relevant issues for your computer and press ‘Next’.
If you can’t find the answer to your computer issue among the listed options, you’ll be asked to provide a description of the problem.
The troubleshooter will keep diagnosing your computer and fixing any issues it finds. If no problems have been identified, move on to the next solution.
4. Change the File Explorer search options
If Windows Explorer isn’t showing certain file types in search results, it’s likely because the app is configured to exclude them. To make sure all file types appear in searches, follow the instructions to adjust File Explorer’s folder search options.
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the View tab.
Open the File Explorer Folder Options window by selecting the appropriate options.
Go to the Search section.
Check both ‘Include compressed files’ and ‘Always search for file names and contents’ when setting up your search.
Save the changes by clicking Apply and tapping OK.
5. Update Windows
Updating your Windows 10 build could fix the File Explorer Search issue. To do so, open the Windows Settings menu and select ‘Update and Security’. If an update is available, click Download to install it.
Search and discover
If you’re having trouble with Windows 10 File Explorer’s search function, try one of the troubleshooting methods outlined above. Let us know which one worked for you, or leave a comment if you need more help.
Try one of these 9 solutions to fix the error and speed up File Explorer if it is running slowly or loading slowly on your Windows 10 computer.
Fix ‘Windows 10 File Explorer Search Not Working’ Issue: benefits
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Final note
If you’re having trouble with Windows 10 File Explorer search, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love by sharing the article with your friends.
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