Windows 10: Missing search tools tab in file explorer?

Hello,


I'm not sure when this happened, but I have noticed that the Search Tools tab in File Explorer has disappeared. I am running Windows 10 Pro version 1909 build 18363.836. I have another corporate-owned laptop running Windows 10 that does not receive updates unless approved by our company, and that still has the Search Tools tab. So an update that was performed recently must have broken it. I'd like to get it back again, as I find it to be a useful, necessary feature. To add, this happened on four computers that I own that are all running Windows 10.


Thanks,


-Jim

:)

 

Missing Tab On File Explorer

The tabs and their functions are dynamic, adjusting to suit what you are currently viewing in File Explorer. For example, if you select a .mp4 file a tab named 'Video tools' appears, select a .zip and you get 'Compressed folder tools', do a search and a Search tools tab appears. The tools on the Home tab (delete, select, etc.) are only appropriate when viewing the contents of a drive or a folder, there is no Home tab when viewing 'This PC' but there is when in 'Quick access'.

Have you recently change File Explorer to open at This PC? That may explain your missing Home tab, it should appear when needed as you explore the drives and folders.

 

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.

 

Using Wildcard to search in windows Explorer

Hi Jerry,

To isolate your concern regarding Wildcard search on
Windows File Explorer, we suggest that you run an SFC
(System File Checker) tool to check for system file corruptions and fix it. Once done, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

In addition, you can manage the search options to give you the most thorough search by following these steps:

• Click File tab on Windows File Explorer, click
  Change folder and search options.
  
  
• Click Search tab and select Don't use the index when searching in file folders for system files (search might take longer).
  
• You can also select Always search file names and contents (this might take several minutes).
  

Let us know if the solution above works for you.