Windows 10: Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer

Discus and support Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer in Windows 10 Support to solve the problem; I've never been able to search file contents in a folder. I've rebuilt my index; I have the indexing options set to search the users folder, except for... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Support' started by phrab, Jul 28, 2018.

  1. phrab Win User

    Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer


    I've never been able to search file contents in a folder. I've rebuilt my index; I have the indexing options set to search the users folder, except for appdata. And I have Index Options>most File types & e.g. ".doc" files are set to "Index Properties and File Contents".
    Yet when I'm in a Windows Explorer window & search for a word, it will only find files with that word in the name, not files that contain the word.
    I've attached two images of my settings. I also tried https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...3-9acc170481ac suggestion of powershell: $manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + '\AppxManifest.xml' ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest but it didn’t work. I also used sfc & it found no problems.
    Any suggestions?
    Thanks in advance!
    Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer [​IMG]

    Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer [​IMG]


    :)
     
    phrab, Jul 28, 2018
    #1

  2. Search Content of MHT files

    Hi David,

    Most probably, this is a problem with the search and indexing of your Windows 10 computer. For us to provide the best resolution possible, we would like to clarify the following:

    • Are you trying to search the content of MHT files using Cortana?
    • Have you tried searching it using the File Explorer?
    • Are you using a third-party app to search for the content of MHT files?

    As an initial troubleshooting step, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter for search and indexing. To run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter, follow these steps:

    • Click the Start button and select the Settings
      icon.
    • Choose Update & Security from the list.
    • Click Troubleshoot in the left pane of the window.
    • Under Find and fix other problems.
    • Select Search and Indexing and click Run the troubleshooter.

    We'll keep an eye out for your response.
     
    Gerard Qui, Jul 28, 2018
    #2
  3. setting default view for Winodws Explorer Search Reasults

    Thank you for the detailed response. To change the search result's view from content to list, we suggest following the steps below:

    • Open the File Explorer and try to search for files.
    • In the toolbar, open the View tab and click List
      to change the view.
    • Once changed, close the File Explorer.
    • Open the File Explorer again and try to search to see if the setting has been retained.

    After performing the steps above, reply back to us so we can provide additional help.
     
    Jennifer Cha, Jul 28, 2018
    #3
  4. dalchina Win User

    Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer

    File Explorer won't search contents of files - Windows 10 Anniversary


    Hi, have you checked the files are actually selected in Indexing Options? I.e. the folders containing them are indexed?

    This is the clue:

    • If you're still unable to search file contents, try:

    • Open Windows Explorer
    • Right-click the folder you want to search, e.g. My Documents
    • Click: Properties
    • On the General tab, Click: Advanced
    • On the Advanced Attributes dialog, select:

      [x] Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties
    • Click: OK
    • Click: OK


    Personally I avoid explorer search as far as possible, and use
    Locate32
    Utrasearch does the same job, with a modern GUI, better than Everything.
    However, these don't index content.
    Locate32 adds a file content search for some types.
     
    dalchina, Jul 28, 2018
    #4
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Can't search for contents in Windows Explorer

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