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If you recently searched for some files or folders in File Explorer and got nothing back, it could be a problem with File Explorer Search Not Working. To be sure, search for some files or folders you know are on your PC but the search can’t find.
In short, File Explorer’s search function is broken, so no items will match your search. You can’t even search for simple apps like a calculator or Microsoft Word with File Explorer search. And it’s very annoying for users to have to find all the files and folders on their own when the search function doesn’t work.
The main problem could be a problem with indexing, a problem with the index database, or the search service not running. In any case, the user is at a loss, so let’s get right to fixing the problem by looking at how to Fix File Explorer Search Not Working with the below-listed troubleshooting guide.
Make Sure Windows Search Service Is Enabled
- To open the Run window, press Windows + R.
- Type services.msc into the box and click OK to open the Services app.
- Look in the Name column for Windows Search service. If you double-click on the service, its Properties window will open.
- Make sure that the type of startup is set to Automatic. If not, use the drop-down menu to choose Automatic. The status of the Service should be “Running.” If not, click the Start button to get the service running.
- To save the changes, click Apply and OK.
Change the Search Options
- To open your File Explorer, press Windows + E.
- Click View on the tool bar at the top.
- Click Options to change the options for folders and searches.
- In the Folder Options window, go to the Search tab and check the box next to Always search file names and contents.
- Click “Apply” and “OK.”
Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
- Right-click on the “Start” button and choose “Settings” from the list that appears.
- Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Scroll down in the right pane until you find Search and Indexing. Click on it and then click on Run the troubleshooter.
- Then you will see the interface below. Check the box next to Files don’t show up in search results, and then click Next.
- To do the operation, you will be asked for administrative rights. Simply click Try to fix the problem as the administrator.
Repair Corrupted System Files
- To run Command Prompt as administrator, type cmd in the Run box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
- Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit the Enter key.
- Once the process is done, you can use the System File Checker tool. Type sfc /scannow and press the Enter key.
- Once the scanning is done, turn your device off and on again to see if the problem is fixed.
Create A New Administrator User Account
- When you press Windows + I, Settings will open.
- Go to Accounts > Family & other people and click Add someone else to this PC in the right pane.
- Choose I don’t know how to sign in as this person.
- Click Add a user who doesn’t have an account with Microsoft.
- Type in the username and (if you want) password for the new account, and then click the Next button.
- Then, you’ll go back to the Accounts setting. Just click Change account type and choose the new account. Click OK after choosing Administrator as the type of account.
- Now that you have a new account, you can use it to fix the search problem. Just log in to your new account and open File Explorer.
- Then, take the next path: C:\Users\<original-account\AppData\Local\Packages\ Microsoft.Windows.Cortana cw5n1h2txyewy and rename the target folder Microsoft.Windows.Cortana cw5n1h2txyewy.old.
Restart the File Explorer
- The first thing you need to do is open the Task Manager. There are many ways to do this, but one of the easiest is to press the CTRL, Shift, and ESC keys at the same time. Your screen will show you the Task Manager.
- Once you’re in the Task Manager, the Windows Explorer process should be right there in the Apps section.
- Click on it, then click the Restart button in the bottom right corner.
- The process should be done after a few seconds.
- Now you need to open File Explorer and try the search box to see if it works.
Reboot your computer
The second thing people say you should try is restarting your computer. This is another easy thing to do that has helped many people make their File Explorer search option work. This problem could be caused by parts of the computer that aren’t loaded correctly, which is why Windows is acting this way.
You can do this in a few different ways, but the easiest way is from the taskbar. Click on the icon or press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Next, click on the Power button and then on Restart. This will start the rebooting process. When the computer starts up again and you’re back on the desktop, open File Explorer and use the search box to see if the method worked.
You can get more help at the Microsoft Support Center.
FAQ
How do I enable search in File Explorer
Open File Explorer and use the search box to the right of the address bar to look for files. You can open File Explorer with a tap or click. Search looks in every folder and subfolder in the library or folder you’re looking at.
How do I search for files not working in Windows 11
Windows has built-in troubleshooters that might be able to find another way to fix the problem that wasn’t mentioned above. This can be tried by going to Settings. Once there, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click Run next to Search and Indexing. Just do what the screen says.
How to do advanced search in File Explorer Windows 11
To do this, go to the Settings menu in Windows 11 (Privacy and security > Searching Windows), click on “Find my files,” and then choose either “Classic” or “Enhanced” from the drop-down menu. The second will index your whole computer. The controls for search indexing in Windows 11.
Why has my File Explorer changed
The File Explorer has changed in Windows 11. File Explorer adds a number of changes that make it easier to use the default file manager, such as the ability to use tabs and a redesigned navigation pane.