Windows 10: File Explorer Search for File Content

I wanted to share this information with others because I have not seen it provided.

I recently upgraded from Windows 7 to 10 and I found that when I did a file search in file explorer, I could not find files based on a search of a word in the text of the file's content. I observed that many people have been having the same problem. I did all the recommended indexing options and rebooting to make it possible to do the search. They did not make a difference.

It was not until I downloaded and installed two packets that allow files to be searched. One was Microsoft Office 2010 filter packs. The other was PDF iFilter 64. Since their installation, I have been able to search for file content in PDF files and in Microsoft Office files.

:)

 

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.

 

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:

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Right-click the folder you want to search, e.g. My Documents
3. Click: Properties
4. On the General tab, Click: Advanced
5. On the Advanced Attributes dialog, select:
   
   [x] Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties
6. Click: OK
7. Click: OK

• You may also add additional folders to the list of indexed locations.
• After updating your indexing options, you may have to wait some time before your results will appear as expected, as Windows must rebuild its index with the contents of the new files.

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.

 

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.