Windows 10: List of files in a Search in File Explorer reorders automatically

When I do a search in Windows File Explorer and then sort the files e.g., by date or file type, File Explorer reorders the files after about a minute back to the order first displayed when the results of the search were first displayed. Is there a way to prevent the reordering?

:)

 

Windows11 File Explorer automatically search not navigating.

Hello Rudy L,



Welcome to Microsoft Community.



It sounds like your File Explorer's search function may have been changed or updated to use a different search method. Here are a few things you can try to get your previous search functionality back:

1.Reset File Explorer settings: You can try resetting the File Explorer settings to default by following these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and click on the "Options" tab at the top.
   
2. In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "View" tab.
   
3. Scroll down and click on "Reset Folders" under "Advanced settings".
   
4. Click "Yes" when prompted to confirm the action.
   
5. Restart File Explorer and see if the search function works as expected.
   

2.Check search settings: You can also check the search settings to see if anything has been changed. Follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and click on the "Options" tab at the top.
   
2. In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "Search" tab.
   
3. Make sure that "Don't use the index when searching in file folders for system files" is unchecked.
   
4. Click "OK" to save the changes and restart File Explorer.
   

3.Reset index function

1. Search for "index" in the taskbar to open "index options".
   
2. Click "Advanced" and then "Rebuild".
   
3. Then click "OK" and wait for the index function to rebuild.
   

I hope the above solution can help you solve this problem.

Best regards,

Mitchell - | Microsoft community support expert from MSFT

 

Recent File List

Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file1

Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file2
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file3
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file4
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file5
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file6
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file7
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file8
Remove-ItemProperty -Path "Registry::HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
\Applets\Paint\Recent File List" -name file9
...

you get the idea. ( too lazy to put it in a for loop and test it.

or just open regedit and remove all the fileX from that key.

 

Windows File Explorer Search

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand your concern as you are having issue in File explorer search option. In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply
with the answers to the questions below:

• 
  What is the Windows 10 Version and Build installed? (Type
  winver in Windows search/Run command)
  
• 
  Have you tried restarting your computer?
  
• Are you aware of any changes on the PC prior to this issue?

Meanwhile, we would suggest you to refer these methods and check.



Method 1:
Restore File Explorer to default.

1. 
   Open
   File Explorer and click on View tab from the top.
   
2. 
   Click the arrow below
   Options and select Change folder and search options.
   
3. 
   Under
   General tab, click on Restore Defaults.
   
4. Click
   Ok and relaunch File Explorer.

Method 2:Run Automatically diagnose and repair Windows file tool

Please refer the suggestion as mentioned in this article for troubleshooting the issue:
Automatically diagnose and repair Windows file and folder problems



Method 3: Fix problems in Windows Search

Please refer the suggestion as mentioned in this article for troubleshooting the issue:

Fix problems in Windows Search



Regards,



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator