File explorer search not working​

Windows File Explorer is one of the most essential tools for navigating your computer’s files and folders. It provides an intuitive interface that allows users to search for files, folders, and other resources. However, there are times when the search function in File Explorer may stop working, making it difficult to find the files you need. If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. Many users face this problem, but the good news is that there are multiple solutions to fix it. 

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand how File Explorer search works. When you search for a file in File Explorer, Windows indexes the files and folders on your computer to provide fast search results. This indexing process helps in locating files without the need to scan your entire hard drive each time you perform a search.

However, if the indexing service is not working correctly, or if the search function itself is malfunctioning, you may find that File Explorer search fails to return results or works very slowly.

Common Causes of File Explorer Search Not Working

Corrupted Search Index: The search index plays a critical role in speeding up search queries. If the index becomes corrupted, File Explorer’s search function may fail to return the right results.

File Explorer’s Search Service is Disabled: File Explorer’s search service may be turned off, causing the search feature to be unresponsive.

Windows Search Service Issues: The Windows Search service itself could be encountering problems. If this service is not running properly, search results may not show up.

Corrupt System Files: System file corruption can cause a variety of issues with Windows, including problems with File Explorer search.

Search Filters Misconfiguration: In some cases, incorrect search filters or settings in File Explorer can cause search problems.

Outdated Windows Version: Using an outdated version of Windows may contribute to issues with File Explorer search.

Excessive Files or Folder Size: If the files you’re searching for are extremely large or there are too many files in your system, it may take a long time for the search to complete.

Troubleshooting File Explorer Search Not Working

If you’re experiencing search issues, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem:

1. Ensure Windows Search Service is Running

The first thing to check is whether the Windows Search service is running. Here’s how to do it:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type services.msc and press Enter.

In the Services window, scroll down and locate Windows Search.

Right-click on Windows Search and select Properties.

In the Properties window, make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.

If the service is stopped, click Start to initiate the service.

After ensuring that Windows Search is running, try searching again in File Explorer to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Rebuild the Search Index

A corrupted search index can prevent File Explorer from working properly. To fix this, you can rebuild the index:

Open the Control Panel by typing it into the Start menu.

In Control Panel, click on Indexing Options.

In the Indexing Options window, click on the Advanced button.

In the Advanced Options window, under the Index Settings tab, click on the Rebuild button.

Confirm that you want to rebuild the index by clicking OK.

Rebuilding the index may take some time, especially if your computer has many files. Once the process is complete, try searching again.

3. Check for Windows Updates

An outdated version of Windows could be causing issues with the File Explorer search. Make sure your system is up to date by following these steps:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Click on Update & Security.

Under Windows Update, click on Check for updates.

If updates are available, install them and restart your computer. After updating, check if File Explorer search works correctly.

4. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common issues with File Explorer’s search function. To run the troubleshooter:

Open Settings (Windows + I).

Go to Update & Security and select Troubleshoot.

Scroll down and click on Search and Indexing.

Select Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will automatically detect and attempt to fix any issues related to File Explorer search.

5. Enable Search Service via Group Policy

In some cases, the search service may have been disabled via Group Policy. If this is the case, you can re-enable it by following these steps:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type gpedit.msc and press Enter (Note: Group Policy is not available in Windows Home editions).

In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search.

On the right pane, double-click on Do not allow Windows Search to use the index.

Set the policy to Not Configured or Disabled.

Click OK and restart your computer.

After completing these steps, the search function in File Explorer should work as expected.

6. Check for Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files can cause various issues, including problems with File Explorer search. You can use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted files:

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

sfc /scannow

Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will automatically attempt to fix them.

After the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the search issue is resolved.

7. Modify Search Settings

Sometimes, File Explorer’s search settings may be misconfigured. You can reset the search settings to their default values:

Open File Explorer.

Click on the View tab and then Options on the right.

In the Folder Options window, switch to the Search tab.

Ensure that Don’t use the index when searching in file folders for system files is unchecked.

You can also reset other search-related settings to default in this window.

8. Clear the File Explorer History

Clearing the search history and recent files might also help resolve the issue:

Open File Explorer.

Click on the View tab and select Options.

In the Folder Options window, click on the General tab.

Under Privacy, click on Clear to remove the recent files history.

Restart your computer and try using the search again.

9. Check for Malware or Viruses

Malware and viruses can interfere with Windows processes, including File Explorer search. It’s a good idea to run a full system scan using Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus software you trust.

To scan with Windows Defender:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Go to Update & Security and click on Windows Security.

Under Virus & Threat Protection, click on Quick Scan or Full Scan.

10. Perform a System Restore

If none of the above solutions work, you might consider performing a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state when File Explorer search was functioning correctly:

Type System Restore in the Start menu and select Create a restore point.

In the System Properties window, click on the System Restore button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to an earlier point.

Be sure to back up any important data before performing a system restore, as it can affect installed programs and settings.