It enables us to find anything on our Windows PC or laptop under one roof in a few seconds.
But, at times, it doesnt return any results even if the content is present there.
Hence, it makes us search for the content manually on the PC.
If your File Explorers search function isnt working, weve got you covered with this fixes guide.
In this guide, well sharesome working solutionsto fix File Explorer search not working in Windows 11.
So read ahead and learn to fix issues with the File Explorers search.
Why Is File Explorer Search Not Working Properly in Windows 11?
In this section, well sharesome common reasonsfor File Explorer search not working in Windows 11.
2.From the dropdown in the new prompt, chooseRestartand press theEnter keyto reboot it.
3.Once the PC is rebooted, test whether the Search function works properly in the File Explorer app.
2.In theServiceswindow, search for theWindows Searchservice and then right-click it.
3.From the context menu, choose theRestartoption to reinstate the stated service on your PC.
you’re able to try the same and peek if it works for you.
2.Right-click theSearchUI.exeprocess, and from the right-click menu, select theEnd taskoption.
3.After ending the SearchUI.exe process, itll automatically restart on your PC and fix the issue.
2.From the dropdown, chooseOptions,and in the next window, go to theSearchtab from the top.
In that case, we recommend youenable File Indexingon your PC to make Search work again in File Explorer.
After making the above changes, File Explorer search not working must be fixed now on your PC.
2.In theIndexed Optionswindow, chooseAdvanced, and underTroubleshoot, clickRebuild.
3.Let the search rebuild, and once done, check the File Explorer search not working issues status.
In that case,ensure that the particular file is allowed to indexby the search.
2.Right-click it, choose thePropertiesoption, and in the next window, go to theSecuritytab.
3.In theSecuritytab, clickEdit…, tick all the checkmarks underAllow,and click theOKbutton.
4.Once done, follow the next solution to start your PCs File Explorer utility to fix this issue.
This will find issues with the Search function and easily fix them.
2.In theRecoverywindow, chooseOther troubleshooters, and then findSearch and IndexingunderOthers.
3.Next toSearch and Indexing, click theRunbutton and follow the on-screen steps to fix this issue.
Restart the Windows ExplorerProcess
Issues with Windows Explorer could also cause the File Explorer search not working issue.
So, we suggest yourestart the Windows Explorer appon your PC to fix short-term issues with it.
2.In the window, search forWindows Explorerand right-click it to fire up the context menu.
3.From the context menu, chooseRestartto restart the Windows Explorer app on your PC.
Clear File Explorer Cache
1.TypeFile Explorer Optionsin theWindows Search Boxand select it from the results.
2.In theFile Explorer Optionswindow, clickClearbeside theClear File Explorer historytext.
3.In the end, click theApplybutton and thenOKto save the recently made changes on the PC.
Repair the Corrupted System Files
Your Windows systems essential files may have been corrupted.
Due to which, the File Explorers search function isnt working on it.
Thus, to repair them, we suggest yourun the DISM and SFC scanson your Windows 11 PC.
Both system scans will somewhat repair the Windows computers corrupted image and files, respectively.
Update Windows
Some temporary bugs in the computer could also be the reason for this issue.
Due to this, we suggest youupdate your Windows 11 PCand check whether installing new updates resolves this issue.
Below are the steps to update Windows 11.
Simply follow them:
1.From the left of the tweaks app, chooseWindows Updateand clickCheck for updates.
2.If you see any new updates to install, hit the respective button to download and install them.
After installing the updates, reboot your rig and look to see if the issue is fixed.
Join Any Windows InsiderProgram
1.In theSettings app, go to theWindows Updatesection and choose theWindows InsiderProgramoption.
2.On theWindows Insider Programscreen, expandChoose your Insider settingsand chooseBeta Channel.
3.kickstart your Windows 11 PC and test whether the File Explorer search not working issue is gone.
Doing so will fix issues with the File Explorers search function.
2.In theChoose an optionwindow, select theKeep my filesoption, and thenCloud downloadorLocal install.
3.In theAdditional settingswindow, chooseNextand follow the on-screen steps to reset your PC.
FAQs
Why Is My Search Function Not Working in File Explorer?
Other reasons could be issues with the File Explorer app.
How Do I Enable File Content Search in Windows 11?
How Do I fire up the Search Tab in File Explorer Windows 11?
How Do I Change My Search parameters in File Explorer?
