Windows 10: How can I make my Windows 11 PC search for content within files/documents?

Hello,When I had my Windows 10 computer, I saved on it an MS Word Document, basically a comprehensive list of contacts and their phone numbers. Then, if ever I received a phone call while I was at my PC and the caller ID was a number I did not recognize, while the phone was still ringing I could type the number into my Windows 10 task bar Search box and if my MS Word document of contacts immediately showed up on the search results, I knew the call was from someone I know and I would answer the call. I didn't even have to open the document to know the calling phone number was in the document. T

:)

 

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.

 

Windows Explorer not searching docx file contents

Hi all,

Recently Windows Explorer stopped finding .docx files when I search for a specific word. I know that these files contain the words that I am searching for, and I have tried lots of things:

• "Search in file contents" is enabled
  
• .docx files are set to have names and contents indexed
  
• I've tried rebuilding the index
  
• I tested the search on other file types, and it returns results for seemingly everything except .docx files
  
• I tried upgrading to Windows 11 to see if this would fix the issue, but it did not
  

I would really appreciate any suggestions, as being able to search file contents is very important for my studies.

 

Unable Search for .odt (LibreOffice Docs) file formats using File Contents.

Hi Dr. Musou,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand how difficult it could be. We truly appreciate the time and effort that you have taken to work on the issue and providing us the complete details. However, we recommend you to try following the steps mentioned below and check.

1. Open Indexing Options.
   
2. Click on Modify.
   
3. Click on Show all Locations.
   
4. Check if the location where the documents are saved is indexed.
   
5. If not, please check the box for the locations and where the documents are saved.
   
6. Click on OK and let it complete the indexing
   
7. Then press Windows + E key to open
   File Explorer.
   
8. Then try searching with the file content in search bar at the top right corner of the
   File Explorer.
   

We would also suggest you to search in
Type here to search bar with file content with selecting Documents at the top of the search bar. You may also want to refer

Search indexing in Windows 10: FAQ for more details.





Regards,