Windows 10: File explorer search is unreliable

This has bugged me forever and I don't even expect a solution anymore. But, I wonder if everyone has this issue? Local or OneDrive makes no difference, the File Explorer search function sometimes works, most times doesn't. I enter a search for a file that I know exists and I see it in the folder but Search can't find it. Search will be "working on it" and you give it time and nothing. It spins and spins and spins. But, in another window I can go to the file and open it. On top of that, File Explorer takes forever to paint thumbnails of photos so you can attach a picture to something. The default icon is there while it spins and spins and spins. I've tried all kinds of tips and advice to assure that thumbnails are retained and no change. But, I (with a filename or date) can go to the file and copy it and paste it into my document or whatever when "attach" (from any program) just can't find a thing or spins all day. And, while its spinning you never know if it will always sort in most recent (date) order or alpha because its so busy spinning that it can't sort.


I've attempted advice on File Explorer properties for thumbnails and document optimization types and I've done some recommended registry edits and I've changed index options. Same constantly poor performance.


I'm an experienced IT guy and I have nice processors on Surface and other PCs and nothing is slow. AutoCAD, photo editors and video work are all super fast (no games). But, File Explorer's interaction with file structures of my local or OneDrive files is just painful.

:)

 

File Explorer Search Not Working


I am trying to search in File Explorer (Windows Explorer, My Computer) and it will not find anything. I can copy text from a name in the list and paste it in the search box and it still finds nothing. I have looked at the suggestions that have been posted and nothing I find that is relative to this works. Anyone have any suggestions? I am running Win 10 Pro on an I3 coustom desktop computer.

 

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.

 

Search for Missing files in File Explorer

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that you are looking for a file named “Class” with the length of the file. However, currently File Explorer doesn’t have the option to search the files using the length.

You can follow the steps mentioned below to search for a file in File Explorer using the Size, Kind of file and other options.

1. Press and hold Windows key + E to open
   File Explorer.
   
2. Click on This PC on the left pane.
   
3. Press F3 key to open Search options.
   
4. You can select the Size,
   Kind of file and other options and then, search for the file.
   

Hope it helps.

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator