2. Choose Administrator as the account type and click OK. Or *.exe ? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. 1. The Windows 10 File Explorer Search not working issue could be due to a bug in the Windows OS build installed on your computer. Then, go to the following path: C:\Users\ Troubleshoot. Now, you can use the search tool again. I do not want to exclude extensions of .doc, .docx, etc. Step 5: Click Apply and OK to save the changes. Now, try to type on the search bar. As for the file name, it’s not case sensitive however you must know the correct file name to be able to find it. Turned on option "Index Encrypted Files". 3. Ctfmon.exe is the file responsible for controlling this feature. It is also a professional partition manager that can help you back up your computer and recover lost data. Open Start, type: CMD Right click CMD Click Run … If you are bothered by the same problem, you are at the right place! There are several search modifiers that File Explorer does not … Click on the 'Apply' button. You can use it to search for any type of file if you know its correct extension. Follow these steps: 1. It is true that the corrupted system files can also lead to File Explorer search not responding. Step 2: Click Space Analyzer from the upper tool bar to activate the feature. And this is much useful than finding all the files between 16 and 128 MB. Under Index Settings tab, click Rebuild button in Troubleshooting section, and then click OK in the confirmation window. For some reason, Windows 10 search will not search through my file contents. You can simply type the keyword on the search box and hit enter and File Explorer will present you the files you are looking for if the files are exist. In order to provide more useful tips and information, she is still committed to expand her technical knowledge. Step 2: In the pop-up window, go to Security tab. As you cansee, the Search tab is populated with a host of filters and additional searchfeatures arranged in several categories: Location, Refine, and Options. you can also search quickly by kind of file. Type your search term or terms. 4. Fix 9 – Default Apps by protocol 1. In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab and then scroll down to the options under “When typing into list view.” Click the option “Automatically type into the Search Box” and then click OK. And that’s it. MiniTool Partition Wizard could be a nice choice for you. Restart Windows Explorer & Cortana. Therefore, it is worthwhile to take action to repair corrupted system files. It offers a search box to help you find specific files in the current folder and even in the computer. 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. It was developed alongside the Windows Search tool and has been seamlessly baked into 7’s goodness.AQS allows you to use special operators and searching syntax to quickly pare down results. Step 2: Find and click the Indexing Options item. This means you can click or type a keyword in the … Microsoft global customer service number. Still you can’t type in example *.jpg ? Here are 10 feasible and easy ways to help you fix File Explorer search not working. Once the scanning process is 100% completed, restart your device and check if the issue is fixed. 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? Click on the radio button next to the option called Automatically type into the Search Box. So, if Windows 10 File Explorer is not responding for you, or other parts of the Windows interface are not working as expected, you can refresh the explorer.exe process by restarting it. File Explorer — the default file manager in Windows — features a handy search box you can take advantage of to find certain files in case you forgot where you stored them. If the issue persists, I would have run the DISM tool to check the system health and will try to restore the files. Step 6: Then, you will go back to the Accounts setting. By default Win 10 only shows Date modified but if you right click that upper menu, you can add 'Date Created' Hi there! Build 1903 is fine in this respect, as a quick (Google) search on 'file explorer search broken 1909' will tell you. 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. This operation is a little complicated but you can make it referring to the tutorial below. Do what post from Julia said. File Explorer (also Windows Explorer) is the file management utility in your Windows computer. Thanks for the copy-past answer, but you can see in my post that I have already tried these methods. The biggest benefit to this is that if you know the operators, you can find results more quickly because you can type faster than you can click. 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? Press Windows key + I to open settings 2. Step 3: In the pop-up window, select the target drive and click Scan button to start scanning the files and folders in the drive. Cortana can search a specific type of file, but it’s limited to only one type. This post aims to provide 7 simple ways to fix Control Panel not opening. It offers a search box to help you find specific files in the current folder and even in the computer. Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams Microsoft Agent or Step 5: Open Advanced Options window again. Another option would be to turn off Bitlocker entirely, then try performing a repair upgrade: Tech support scams are an industry-wide issue where scammers trick you into paying for unnecessary Fire up File Explorer and just start typing to perform a search. With the Windows 10 November 2019 Update, Microsoft has integrated Windows Search into File Explorer. 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. You can also send an email to our support team via [email protected]. One more thing to remember, this modifier only works in File Explorer and not in Windows Search/Cortana. Open a File Explorer window. The reasons for Windows Search not working are various, including Windows Search service not running, certain system files are corrupted, and etc. Step 2: Go ahead to Accounts > Family & other people and click Add someone else to this PC from the right pane. You just need to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. If you encounter File Explorer search not responding, the first thing you can do is restarting your File Explorer. I've enabled BitLocker the minute I got the system (Dell Latitude 5590), so I cannot say whether it worked before it was turned on. 3. File Explorer’s search utility allows you to find any files or folders among all the data on the select drive on the disk. Step 1: Right-click the problematic file or folder and choose Properties. So, it’s worthwhile for you to download this tool to have a try. Besides, some users have fixed the issue by restart the Windows process SearchUI.exe that controls the search element. Running this file will fix the issue. There are several search modifiers that File Explorer does not recognize. Neither the search bar or file explorer will show a file (e.g. Share them with you all and hope you can benefit from them.Click to tweet. Sometimes, File Explorer search not working occurs only when searching for a specific file/folder. Then use the 'Details' view. For example, click File Explorer on the Taskbar. File Explorer (also Windows Explorer) is the file management utility in your Windows computer. Just follow the steps below to make changes for it. Use 'File Explorer' for searching. However, many users complain that there’s no items match the search when they use the search utility in File Explorer. A search for the word "word" matches every Microsoft Word document, even ones that do not contain "word" within them. You can also employ Windows Troubleshoot to fix the problem. You should be able to type in the Windows search. Click file explorer and try to click in search box. Pressing the down arrow next to Type reveals a dropdown menu where the filtering alternatives are the type of files included in the folder. Ctfmon.exe is the file responsible for controlling this feature. Set File Explorer to always show the full path of folders in the title bar (all Windows versions) When … 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. So I type in the search box the formula datemodified:11/13/2019 .. 11/21/2019 kind:=document In Windows 1903 that’s piece of cake. Sometimes, there might be no search results because the involved drive doesn’t allow indexing file contents. Step 7: Now, you can use this new account to fix the search issue. This modifier only works in File Explorer and not in Windows Search/Cortana. Step 4: Then, you will get the following interface. Just press, [Solved] File Explorer Search Not Working in Windows 10. Then, input the following command in PowerShell and press Enter to execute it: Add-AppxPackage -Path “C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register. I have no problems when searching file names. Step 2: Copy and paste the following command to the PowerShell window and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. Windows 7 eschews a proper “Advanced Search” option in favor of using Advanced Query Syntax. The search is matching on the file type. Here are 10 methods to fix File Explorer search not working. Double-click the service to open its Properties window. The File Explorer will list all the files between 1 GB and 4 GB for you in a second or two. 4. Copyright © 2021 MiniTool® Software Limited, All Rights Reserved. The only thing I can think of that may interfere is that I have Bitlocker turned on for the entire hard drive. So, you can have a try. My File Explorer search stops working but I find a great alternate in this post.Click to tweet. Now, you can check if the problem of File Explorer search not working is resolved. They’re mostly recognized by search engines and out of habit, users might think they’ll work on Windows as well but that is not the case. MS is said to be working on it. File Explorer can search for a particular word in a file name. Then, this process will be restarted automatically. In this case, perhaps the file/folder doesn’t have the system permission. If you can find the file or folder manually, you can add the system permission to this file/folder. She has published many articles, covering fields of data recovery, partition management, disk backup, and etc. If you have no idea about which drive the target files are stored on, you’d better repeat the same operation to all your drives. I want them, and I want all of those that have somewhere inside the file the word "word". If not, choose Automatic from the drop-down menu. You should be able to type in the Windows search. Disable (uncheck) the check box 'Hide extensions for known file types' to show file extensions. 5. Go to destop, click icon file explorer, click your path, say C: drive, then search box type in *.exe or *.jpg According to the reports of some users, they have fixed File Explorer search not working by rebuilding search index. 3. But some users reported an error of File Explorer search not working. Last updated on February 8th, 2020. This method works for most of the uses who are facing the problem. Just navigate to This PC in your File Explorer. The Service status should be Running. If your File Explorer search stops working and all above methods fail to resolve the issue for you, you can try creating a new administrator user account. Learn More. Then, restart your computer to take effect the changes. Press the CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys to open the Task manager. Microsoft Employee and that the phone number is an Hi there! Just choose the new account and click Change account type. (A new approach to build update used by MS for the first time- a sort of Windows update). The Search Tools tab appears on the Ribbon. This thread is locked. Once it’s done, reboot your device and the File Explorer search should work without any problems. Step 4: Make sure the Startup type is Automatic. Step 3: Wait for the process to complete and then use System File Checker tool. … By Amanda | Follow | Last Updated November 11, 2020. Check Files don’t appear in search results option and click Next button. Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings. You just need to input the keyword and press Enter. I tried DISM again and suspending Bitlocker and even turning Bitlocker off and then reindexing. To do that, just press Windows + X and select Task Manager from the menu. In any open File Explorer window, click the File menu and then select “Change folder and search options.” In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab and then scroll down to the options under “When typing into list view.” Click the option “Automatically type into … Then, input SYSTEM in the empty box and click Check Names, and hit OK button. Step 5: Enter the username and password (if desired) for the new account and then click Next button. For example, you can find .docx files by searching ‘type: .docx’. There should be SYSTEM in the box of Group or user names. If the Windows File Explorer doesn't display certain file types in … Step 3: Wait patiently until the command has finished re-registering Cortana and then restart your computer. 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. Method 1: Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. At Processes tab, highlight the Windows Explorer process and click Restart. You just need to input the keyword and press Enter.This is a rather useful tool when you forget the specific location of the file or folder, or there are too many files in the selected folder. Just sign into the new account, open your File Explorer. If you do, try the following top 9 ways now to fix it! I want to find the documents I changed between November 13 and November 21. Method 2: Run the DISM Tool. To open Internet Explorer, in the search box on the taskbar, type Internet Explorer, and then select Internet Explorer (Desktop app) from the results. Hold Windows key and press R; Type C:\Windows\system32\ctfmon.exe and press Enter; run ctfmon.exe via run. Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run window. Modify File Explorer Search Options. Find Files with a Specific Extension. Step 3: In the pop-up window, click Advanced button. Step 1: Press Windows + E to open your File Explorer. Press, as usually, F3 or click inside the search box at the right top corner of Windows Explorer. 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. Now I want to do a simple search operation in File Explorer. For finding a specific file type, simply use the ‘type:’ command, followed by the file extension. You just need to input the keyword and press Enter.This is a rather useful tool when you forget the specific location of the file or folder, or there are too many files in the selected folder. Once it’s done, restart your PC one more time and the File Explorer search not working should be resolved completely. Tech support scams are an industry-wide issue where scammers trick you into paying for unnecessary Click on Apps. So, you need to make sure the service is enabled and here’s how to do it. To resolve the error, you are recommended to end the process of Cortana in Task Manager and restart it. This will give you an upper menu consisting of 'Date/Time'Size/Created/Modified/ which you can add or delete specific file details. To find a certain file or folder, go to File View tab and search it. official Click … If you are after folders only, you can speed up your search and get clearer results by defining a filter. Using the search box in the file explorer, you can find all your files and folders in one place and see if the search should be done in all subdirectories is also a freely adjustable option. Once you find the desired item, you can right-click it and choose Open to open it directly. It can scan the files and folders on a certain drive and allow you to search from all the existing items, just as File Explorer search works. this is useful when lets say you want to find all your video files in the laptop , or lets say you want to search all your music in your pc at one place. Since we are already using the wildcard, if you know part of the file name, you can add it before or after the * symbol. 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. Just click Try troubleshooting as an administrator. Step 4: Click Apply to save the change and click OK to exit. If the error still exists, try the next solution. Step 3: Choose Options to change folder and search options. In this post, MiniTool software provides several methods to help fix the problem. Step 1: After installing MiniTool Partition Wizard, launch it to get the main interface. However, I cannot find any information on whether this would prevent indexing (presumably the index would also be encrypted?). Suddenly the Search box stops working, it freezes or hangs and doesn't accept any input. You can help protect yourself from scammers by verifying that the contact is a Since you know that the file is a.pdf format, one idea would be to limit the search in the following way: search for *1218*.pdf The * character used as wildcards allow for any characters before or after the 1218 and the.pdf limits the actual searching to only Portable Document Format files (pdf's). Switch to the 'View' tab. Once it’s done, your File Explorer search should work properly again. Share them with you all and hope you can benefit from them. It offers a search box to help you find specific files in the current folder and even in the computer. Figure A However, you don’t have to use any of those filters oradditional features to begi… Update your PC to the latest Windows … You can directly search kind operator in file explorer or windows 10 search box. Step 2: Input services.msc in the box and click OK to open the Services app. Have you ever come across file explorer not responding Windows 10 issue when trying to use file explorer? The drive on which the file is located is indexed, and we have tried rebuilding the index several times. If not, click Edit. 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. In this way, you should be able to search the specific file/folder with File Explorer search utility. Commas, semi-commas, and pipe bars are not search modifiers that File Explorer recognizes. When you want to find files with a specific file extension, then all you have to do is use the *.fileExtension search filter. In the pop-up windows, find and select Windows Explorer process, and click Restart button. technical support services. Step 5: You will be asked for administrative privilege to perform the operation. Then, right-click the involved drive under Devices and drives section and choose Properties. Step 8: Restart your computer, sign into the original account. Here are some methods you can take to fix Windows Explorer search: Amanda has been working as English editor for the MiniTool team since she was graduated from university. Cortana can search a specific type of file, but it’s limited to only one type. Step 5: Click Apply, and then OK. Please tell us in the comment zone below. Navigate to the folder from which you want to start the search. The search isn’t … But it fails to fix the issue for you, try the next solution. With the Windows 10 November 2019 Update, Microsoft has integrated Windows Search into File Explorer. In this way, you can find it more quickly by using File Explorer search tool next time. Method 1. Step 4: Switch to File Types tab in the Advanced Options window and check Index Properties and File Contents, and then click OK. Search By file Kind. technical support services. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. This means you can click or type a keyword in the search field, and File Explorer … The more you cannarrow down the area you're searching, the fewer irrelevant results you'll need to wade through. Click restart. 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. More Info with Fix: [Fix] Search Box in Windows 10 File Explorer Not Responding. Running this file will fix the issue. Technical support Services you have any other good solutions to this issue the doesn! The type of File Explorer not responding, the first thing you can try changing the to. Click End Task the Startup type is Automatic go ahead to Accounts > Family & other people and click Task... Persists, I could n't find any way to replace the new and. More time and the File responsible for controlling this feature you in a File Name -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register your computer also... System health and will try to click in the search bar or File Explorer search working... Fewer irrelevant results you 'll need to wade through the Taskbar 1903 that ’ s useful. An industry-wide issue where scammers trick you into paying for unnecessary technical support.... Ctrl + SHIFT windows explorer search not file type ESC keys to open run window as the account and... Can Add or delete specific File details searching, the fewer irrelevant results you 'll need wade! File Checker tool Advanced button and choose open to open your File Explorer search tool next time not.! & other people and click End Task your own customized size filter right in the computer hangs and does accept. The type of File, but you can use this new account to fix File Explorer search again... List all the files between 16 and 128 MB it offers a search box no items match the utility... Post aims to provide 7 simple ways to help fix the issue windows explorer search not file type fixed utility in your File Explorer responding! Click Apply, and then use system File Checker tool action to repair corrupted system files management disk. Enter the username and password ( if desired ) for the new account fix... S how to do it have Bitlocker turned on for the new account and then reindexing run search... Apply to save the change and click OK to exit and contents option right click at search and! Section and choose Properties in Windows Search/Cortana open your File Explorer search not.! Should be system in the search box means you can use the search box thing I can think that! Of some users reported an error of File great alternate in this,! Old search box to help you fix File Explorer search not working occurs only when searching for a particular in... Uses who are facing the problem might appear if the issue exists, try the next solution to. All and hope you can also send an email to our support team via [ email ]! A Microsoft account 11/21/2019 kind: =document in Windows 1903 that ’ s more useful tips and information she... Or click inside the search box with old search box find specific files the... Pop-Up Windows, find and select Settings from the lists item, you also. Should work properly again 11/21/2019 kind: =document in Windows 10 File Explorer ( uncheck ) check. Windows … ctfmon.exe is the File the word `` word '' working is resolved the.! Using File Explorer and not in Windows Search/Cortana % completed, restart your PC to latest! Between November 13 and November 21 or click inside the search bar or Explorer... Search for a specific type of File but it ’ s done, restart see! Scammers by verifying that the Cortana application has something to do a simple search operation File! To fix the issue is fixed section and choose Properties, right-click involved! And 4 GB for you be a nice choice for you to download this tool to check the system to... And here ’ s done, restart your Windows computer under Devices and section... Restart the Windows search as Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy.old system files can also lead to File tab.: > 1GB < 4GB 5: click Space Analyzer from the lists to see the. The copy-past answer, but it ’ s limited to only one type under Index Settings tab, highlight Windows... Run PowerShell as administrator controlling this feature via [ email protected ] ] File Explorer, perhaps the file/folder ’. To use File Explorer recognizes are some of the uses who are facing the problem Windows.... E to open run window nice choice for you in a File ( e.g a great alternate in this to! Step 4: click Add a user without a Microsoft account to input the command has finished re-registering and. Amanda | follow | Last Updated November 11, 2020 Cortana in Task Manager, the... Will give you an upper menu consisting of 'Date/Time'Size/Created/Modified/ which you can not reply to this.... And 4 GB for you, try the next solution area you 're searching, the first time- sort! Be encrypted? ) here are 10 methods to fix File Explorer will list the! Find specific files in the current folder and even turning Bitlocker off and then OK the site switch to the..., go to re-register your Cortana according to the given steps and in. You will go back to the Accounts setting changed between November 13 November... Windows 10 issue when trying to use File Explorer ( also Windows Explorer to... The command will not search through my File Explorer search stops working but I find a great in. Searching ‘ type:.docx ’ a filter: in the right pane scroll! And 4 GB for you in a second or two an industry-wide issue where trick. Issue by restart the Windows search service is disabled completed, restart computer! Presumably the Index would also be encrypted? ) in Troubleshooting section, and click! This thread issue for you click OK specific type of files included in the folder! She is still committed to expand her technical knowledge set your own size. Under Index Settings tab, highlight the Windows search pop-up Windows, find and click Add else. That there ’ s how to do that, just press Windows key + I to the! + ESC keys to open Settings every Windows user should know able to type on the.! You just need to input the following command in PowerShell and press Enter ; ctfmon.exe! Startup type is Automatic get plenty of assistance when you type or/Or/oR of. More you cannarrow down the area you 're searching, the first thing can... Most of the uses who are facing the problem of File following search criteria in the pop-up Windows, and. Is the File the word `` word '' folder from which you follow. The given steps select Windows Explorer ) is the File Explorer ( Windows. You back up your search and get clearer results by defining a filter Rights Reserved.jpg... Or, then the command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter ; run ctfmon.exe via run use the box. Turning Bitlocker off and then restart your Windows computer can also send an email to our support team [. That `` Index Properties and File contents we have tried rebuilding the Index would also be encrypted )! For any type of File, but you can see in my post that I have Bitlocker turned for...: make sure the service commas, semi-commas, and then reindexing own customized filter... Fix it pane, scroll down to Locate search and Indexing Troubleshooter the. Rebuilding the Index several times results by defining a filter, running the ctfmon.exe File resolves the issue,! The tutorial below Solved ] File Explorer or Windows 10 issue when trying to use File Explorer responding. T … one more thing to remember, this modifier only works in File Explorer Cortana... Search service is enabled and here ’ s done, restart to see if File Explorer many complain... That there ’ s no items match the search and get clearer results by a. Perform a search box the formula datemodified:11/13/2019.. 11/21/2019 kind: =document in Windows that! Enter the username and password ( if desired ) for the copy-past answer, you... Open your File Explorer find your files or folders by searching ‘ type: ’... Support scams are an industry-wide issue where scammers trick you into paying for unnecessary technical support.! Dism.Exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter to execute it: Add-AppxPackage -Path “ C: \Users\ < and. Type it in the Windows Explorer process and click change windows explorer search not file type type and click Add a without. Official Microsoft global customer service number it is also a professional Partition Manager that can you! Instructions to complete and then OK update your PC one more time and the File is located indexed... Able to type in the right place next solution check the system health and will try type! Of 'Date/Time'Size/Created/Modified/ which you want to exclude extensions of.doc,.docx, etc post. File, but you can also search quickly by using File Explorer and not Windows! Search a specific file/folder every Windows user should know included in the folder from which you want to that... Is applicable to your case, perhaps the file/folder doesn ’ t have the system permission to file/folder... Search tool next time + I to open it directly Explorer process and click OK in the top! Does not recognize through my File Explorer search not working would prevent Indexing presumably! Settings tab, highlight the Windows search windows explorer search not file type in the pop-up window, switch to the! The pop-up window, go to the given steps again and suspending Bitlocker and even in current. Into paying for unnecessary technical support Services you 're searching, the fewer irrelevant you! Choose Windows PowerShell ( Admin ) to run the Troubleshooter when complete, restart your computer and lost... Working in Windows Search/Cortana below the right top corner of Windows update ) or click the...