Windows 10: Indexing of pdf contents not working after 24H2 update failure

Windows 11 Pro update 24H2 fails and says that it recovered my computer to an earlier version. After that pdf content searches do not work. Indexing looks in order, but no luck - Restoring my system drive to pre update 24H2 is the only fix that I can find. I have set my group policy to let me pick which updates i want to install, so that 24H2 does not automatically retry and break search indexing.

:)

 

Windows 11 Windows Search not searching or Indexing PDFs

Brand new Dell XPS laptop with Windows 11. It will not search text within PDF files. From looking on the internet seems like there are lots of problems Windows Search in Windows 11 which did not exist in Windows 10. Including not searching/indexing contents of PDF files, which is critical for me.

Has ANYONE been able to search within PDF files on Windows 11?

Please don't suggest re-indexing, have done 6 or 7 times. And, yes indexing settings are set to index contents of PDF 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.

 

Indexing is not working

Hi Doc,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

This issue may occur due to corrupt Windows search files or settings. I suggest you to follow the below method and check if it helps.

Method 1: I would suggest you to run search and indexing troubleshooter
and check. Please follow these steps:

• 
  Type troubleshooting in the search box on taskbar.
  
• 
  Click troubleshooting in the search results.
  
• 
  Click "View all" and then click "Search and Indexing".
  
• 
  Click "Next" and follow on-screen instructions.
  

Method 2: Check if Indexing and Windows Search services are enabled. If not, enable them, if they are already enabled, then disable Windows Search Service and then enable again and restart.

• 
  Press Windows key + R.
  
• 
  Type services in the run box, go to the Windows search services and restart them.
  

Hope it helps.