As you type in the Search Box, a simple search through the index begins to match your typed text with folder names, files names, the contents of files, and file properties. Now, you can use the search tool again. The search isn’t … Sometimes, File Explorer search not working occurs only when searching for a specific file/folder. If the Windows File Explorer doesn't display certain file types in … In this case, perhaps the file/folder doesn’t have the system permission. Microsoft global customer service number. When youselect the Search box, which you’ll find in the upper right corner of FileExplorer, you’ll immediately see the Search tab appear (Figure A). Cannot open Control Panel in Windows 10? 2. The drive on which the file is located is indexed, and we have tried rebuilding the index several times. My File Explorer search stops working but I find a great alternate in this post.Click to tweet. Fix 2: Make Sure Windows Search Service Is Enabled, Fix 4: Allow Files to Have Contents Indexed, Fix 6: Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter, Fix 7: Add System Permission to A File/Folder, Fix 8: Restart and Re-register Your Cortana, Fix 10: Create A New Administrator User Account, An Alternate Method of File Explorer Search, 7 Ways to Fix Control Panel Not Opening in Windows 10, 9 Solutions to File Explorer Not Responding Windows 10, Make sure Windows Search Service is enabled. With the Windows 10 November 2019 Update, Microsoft has integrated Windows Search into File Explorer. Last updated on February 8th, 2020. Learn More. Turned on options to search file contents in non-indexed locations. While "Windows Explorer" or "File Explorer" is a term most commonly used to describe the file management aspect of the operating system, the Explorer process also houses the operating system's search functionality and File Type associations (based on filename extensions), and is responsible for displaying the desktop icons, the Start Menu, the Taskbar, and the Control Panel. Go to destop, click icon file explorer, click your path, say C: drive, then search box type in *.exe or *.jpg Once it’s done, restart your PC one more time and the File Explorer search not working should be resolved completely. technical support services. Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. This method works for most of the uses who are facing the problem. Click in the Search box below the right side of the Ribbon. Otherwise, click Start button to run the service. Where in your previous post did it say you suspended Bitlocker and run the built in Windows 10 troubleshooter or reviewed the link on Groovypost with additional troubleshooting options? Here are 10 methods to fix File Explorer search not working. You can also send an email to our support team via [email protected]. Figure A However, you don’t have to use any of those filters oradditional features to begi… So, running the ctfmon.exe file resolves the issue. When you get the following interface, make sure the option Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties is check, and click Apply and OK to save the change. Switch to the 'View' tab. At Processes tab, highlight the Windows Explorer process and click Restart. 3. Step 4: Switch to File Types tab in the Advanced Options window and check Index Properties and File Contents, and then click OK. Let’s begin with an overview of the Search feature. In this way, you can find it more quickly by using File Explorer search tool next time. 3. Just choose the new account and click Change account type. One more thing to remember, this modifier only works in File Explorer and not in Windows Search/Cortana. Then, right-click the involved drive under Devices and drives section and choose Properties. Since we are already using the wildcard, if you know part of the file name, you can add it before or after the * symbol. Method 2: Run the DISM Tool. To find the files and folders you need, you can search in File Explorer. It is reported that the Cortana application has something to do File Explorer search not responding issue. Then, this process will be restarted automatically. If you type or/Or/oR instead of OR, then the command will not work. In the Location group, m… Find Files with a Specific Extension. Copyright © 2021 MiniTool® Software Limited, All Rights Reserved. Microsoft Agent or Here’s a simple guide for you: Step 1: Type cmd in Run dialog and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as administrator. As for the file name, it’s not case sensitive however you must know the correct file name to be able to find it. Type file 'explorer options' in Start menu or taskbar search box, and Press Enter to open File Explorer Options. You can directly search kind operator in file explorer or windows 10 search box. (A new approach to build update used by MS for the first time- a sort of Windows update). The File Explorer will list all the files between 1 GB and 4 GB for you in a second or two. Search By file Kind. Press the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys to open the Task manager. For example, type the following search criteria in the search box, size:>1GB<4GB. Build 1903 is fine in this respect, as a quick (Google) search on 'file explorer search broken 1909' will tell you. A search for the word "word" matches every Microsoft Word document, even ones that do not contain "word" within them. Press Windows key + I to open settings 2. Once you find the desired item, you can right-click it and choose Open to open it directly. To understand filtering in File Explorer’s Details view, let’s see how to filter a folder to display only PNG files in Windows 10. If you cannot find your files or folders by searching in File Explorer, perhaps the search options are not set properly. The Windows 10 File Explorer Search not working issue could be due to a bug in the Windows OS build installed on your computer. Step 1: Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) to run PowerShell as administrator. There should be SYSTEM in the box of Group or user names. So, you can have a try. Click Search and Index Click Run the Troubleshooter When complete, restart to see if the problem is resolved. This article is about an annoying bug and its fix/solution present in new updated Search box (which is now powered by Windows Search) in File Explorer of newer Windows 10 versions such as Windows 10 November 2019 Update version 1909. By Amanda | Follow | Last Updated November 11, 2020. Restart Windows Explorer & Cortana. This operation is a little complicated but you can make it referring to the tutorial below. It offers a search box to help you find specific files in the current folder and even in the computer. Many Windows 10 users, especially after a Windows update, cannot type in the File Explorer's search bar or in Cortana's search bar on the taskbar, because they cannot click on the search box to start typing. Step 3: In the pop-up window, click Advanced button. Just type sfc /scannow and hit Enter key. Now, you can check if the problem of File Explorer search not working is resolved. Method 1: Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. Step 1: Press Windows + E to open your File Explorer. To open File Explorer in Windows 10, select its icon on the taskbar, press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard, or select Start > Documents (directly beneath your user icon). PS: Recently an AskVG reader asked me is it possible to remove new Search box and restore the old classic search box in Windows 10 File Explorer? The Service status should be Running. If you don’t want to spend too much time fixing File Explorer search not working issue, perhaps you can ask third-party software for help to find files or folders quickly. Running this file will fix the issue. Hi there! Just follow the steps below to make changes for it. Step 4: All the items in this drive will be listed, including the files and folders hidden in Explorer which are displayed in grey here. T allow Indexing File contents in non-indexed locations in File Explorer search utility account type think! 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