Windows 10: Problems searching for files using MS File Explorer? This may help...

BLUF: Enter this format in the search box: namerg+chart where "org" and "chart" are parts of the filename


Often Explorer cannot find files I know are in a folder, I can scroll and see them, search does not find them. I cannot find good guidance in answers.microsoft.com on how to use search. I have done some experimentation, and have found some useful info, but the threads on the topic are locked, usually without helpful responses. It seems like everyone gives up, the thread is locked, and someone at MS thinks "problem solved."


This is what I have found through trial and error:


a. First, to find only files not content WITHIN files, in File Explorer, on the 'View' tab, Options/Change Folder and Search Options/Search tab, uncheck "Always search file names and contents...", and click 'Apply'.

b. To search for a file, type search terms into search box upper right in MS File Explorer.


Example of BEST APPROACH of what to enter: namerg+chart where "org" and "chart" are parts of the filename you are looking for, ie, your search strings


Should find only files and folders with BOTH terms in the file/folder name.


Use "+" to separate search terms to get Boolean .AND. eg. org+chart. Don't need quotes. Don't need wild cards * or spaces before "+". Will find filenames with org AND chart in the filenames, including "ABC organization chart.docx", "orgchart.xlsx", "ABCorgchart.pptx", "ABC Org Chart 2020.xlsx", etc. If you want to find files with EITHER term Boolean .OR., then use a space instead of "+", eg. namerg chart


Explorer will highlight found search terms in yellow in the results list.


A forum user suggested using name:~=org to find filenames with "org" in it, seems to do the same thing as just namerg, or even just org in the search box.


NOTE: Search may take several minutes, there is no indication when it is working or done this is a serious problem in my opinion, how long should you stare at your screen wondering if the search is complete?. This may be because the the folder is not indexed, or it is re-indexing. There are ways to force a re-index, but you need admin rights to do it, so if you're on a machine at work and don't have admin rights, not useful


PROBLEMS: If you use spaces instead of "+" to connect terms, it will work but you more likely to get files where the term is NOT in the filename, but contents, DESPITE having unchecked the "...and contents..." box in options. Sometimes you will still get filenames without the search terms, even when using "+" and unchecking the box. In that case use "name:" in front of search terms. You will get filenames with only one of the search terms Boolean .OR., unless you use "+". The search function is in my experience inconsistent and unreliable why MS, after 45 years of selling operating systems??, and useful correct guidance from MS is absent, so again for the best chance of good results use the format namerg+chart


Also, check your search Search Tools in the Search ribbon. AFTER YOU PUT YOUR CURSOR IN THE SEARCH BOX, the Search Tools tab will pop open, and you can modify the search by date, file size, current folder vs. subfolders, etc.


I've also seen this, a pale yellow banner at the top of the search window: "Your searches might be slow because the index is not running. click to turn on the index..." Go to Control Panel->Indexing Options, to verify and make sure it's on and indexing the folders you need. Seems if there are index issues, it will eventually find the files, but it takes several minutes, and it finds the most recent file, probably the one you're looking for, last.


Good luck, I hope this helps someone else as frustrated as me!

:)

 

File Explorer Search Not Working


I am trying to search in File Explorer (Windows Explorer, My Computer) and it will not find anything. I can copy text from a name in the list and paste it in the search box and it still finds nothing. I have looked at the suggestions that have been posted and nothing I find that is relative to this works. Anyone have any suggestions? I am running Win 10 Pro on an I3 coustom desktop computer.

 

Search for Missing files in File Explorer

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that you are looking for a file named “Class” with the length of the file. However, currently File Explorer doesn’t have the option to search the files using the length.

You can follow the steps mentioned below to search for a file in File Explorer using the Size, Kind of file and other options.

1. Press and hold Windows key + E to open
   File Explorer.
   
2. Click on This PC on the left pane.
   
3. Press F3 key to open Search options.
   
4. You can select the Size,
   Kind of file and other options and then, search for the file.
   

Hope it helps.

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

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