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

Hi,

I just downloaded the Windows 10 Anniversary update. I started to use my computer how I normally would and a frequent thing that I do is go through my downloads and search for content within word documents. I tried to do that now and it won't search for contents within the word docs which puts me at a huge disadvantage. The search for contents button is selected in file explorer so I'm unsure as to what the problem is. Please help

Thanks

:)

 

searching windows explorer 10 file contents for exact phrase

Previous to Windows 10 I was able to search the contents of all files in a folder for a specific phrase by hitting control F, choosing the option to search for a phrase, and simply typing the phrase into the search box.

In Windows 10 I have discovered how to search the content of the files (instead of just the file names) by starting my search with content:

However, if what I am searching for is a phrase instead of just a single word it finds all files with any of the words in the phrase instead of the entire phrase intact. I have tried adding quotes and it does not make a difference.

For example, say I want to search for the phrase "windows explorer help"

If I search for content: windows explorer help or content: "windows explorer help" it will return all files that contain any of the words windows, explorer, or help.

Does anybody know how I can search the contents of the files in a folder for an entire intact phrase as I was able to in previous versions?

Thanks.

***Post moved by the moderator to the appropriate forum category.***

 

Windows 10 File Explorer search options

When I search for a file the results shows files that match my search criteria but also files where the characters within the content of a file matches the search criteria.

I want the results to show only FILE NAMES that match the search criteria.

I do not want file names listed where the content is match.

The File Explorer Search Option tab last box UNCHECKED setting that I thought would control the search has no effect.

Where is the Windows 10 File Explorer search option to NOT include (or exclude) searching the content of a file?

 

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

• 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.

 

Hi, I have just worked through a solution for this to do with ifilters if still interested, having worked out what seems to be happening.