Windows 10: Why can't I open .exe files through the search bar anymore?

I downloaded a portable install of Google Chrome a year ago and every time I needed to open it, I would search up 'Google Chrome' in the search bar and 'Google Chrome Portable.exe' would appear and I would just hit enter. However, it does not show up and I have to manually find the file. Is this normal or can I not search up the .exe file anymore? BTW, I am on the latest install of Windows 11 22H2 with the most recent update. I think it could be caused because of the update or is it something I can change?

:)

 

How to clear the search record at the search bar on Windows 10

Hello,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I apologize for the inconvenience happened. We are glad to help you.

Please share this:

• 
  Which search bar are you referring to?
  
• 
  Is it the search bar in file explorer or the search bar on desktop (cortana and search)?
  

If you are referring to the search bar in file explorer, I suggest you to follow the steps given below and check if it helps:
(to delete a specific entry)

• 
  Open File Explorer.
  
• 
  Click/tap inside the Search box, then select (highlight) the search suggestion (ex:
  ttt) that you want to delete, and press the Delete key.
  
• 
  You will not notice that it has been deleted.
  
• 
  Repeat if you would like to delete another one.
  

To clear all search entries, follow this:

• 
  Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .bat file below, then
  run it.
  
  Clear_Search_History_in_File_Explorer.bat
  

2. If prompted, click/tap on Run.

NOTE: If you like, you can stop getting the Run prompt by
unblocking
the downloaded .bat file.

3. You will now notice a command prompt quickly open and close while applying the changes to your registry.

Hope this information helps. Feel free to get back to us for further queries. We will be happy to assist you.

Thanks and regards,

Jenith

 

Windows 10 Search doesn't include any *.EXE files

Hi,

The .exe files in Windows 10 are classified as "applications" that's why the returned search results are not showing them as .exe files. You need to change the view settings of
File Explorer for you to be able to view them as .exe files. To do so, kindly follow these steps:

• Type file explorer on the search bar.
• Click on File Explorer.
• Click on View.
• Click on Options.
• Click on Change folder and search options.
• Click on View.
• Under Advanced settings, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.
• Click on OK.

Let us know if you need further assistance with your concern.

 

Unable to open .exe files anymore.

I recently installed Kaspersky Internet Security and have since not been aboe to open any executable file (.exe files) anymore. Any ideas why this is happening now?