Windows 10: Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it?

Discus and support Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it? in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; Often Times I am merely looking for the location of a folder so I can create a shortcut to it.When I do a search on....say...my local C drive and I... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by kaxx, Jun 24, 2025 at 3:57 PM.

  1. kaxx Win User

    Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it?


    Often Times I am merely looking for the location of a folder so I can create a shortcut to it.When I do a search on....say...my local C drive and I find the folder I am looking for, and then double click to open it, Why doesn't it show the file location at the top of the folder like every other time I normally open a folder on my PC? I only bolded this to show what my real question is, I am not yelling lolThis is what shows after I double clicked to open the folder that I was searching for:This is what shows in that exact same folder when I navigate to it and open it normally without a se

    :)
     
  2. dalchina Win User

    search for all files by filename but show result as folders

    Hi, I can suggest a way to go from this:
    Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it? 344229d1629804023t-search-all-files-filename-but-show-result-folders-1.jpg
    - result of search for file, results in two folders to this:
    Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it? 344230d1629804133t-search-all-files-filename-but-show-result-folders-2.jpg
    - where the paths to the containing folders are all found and copied in 2 or 3 clicks. 1. Install this to add selectable context menu options (free) Download Path Copy Copy 19.0 Accept the defaults. 2. Perform your search, select all found items, and rt click them. Look for and select this option:
    Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it? 344231d1629804416t-search-all-files-filename-but-show-result-folders-untitled.png
    Your clipboard now contains the paths of all found folders.
     
  3. Hide or Show User Profile's Personal Folders in Navigation Pane

    Thank you in advance to everyone for your help and time. Hopefully this write-up is succinct. Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it? :)
    I believe there has to be additional registry modifications to solve this issue.


    Problem:
    In the Navigation Pane, specifically regarding the Current User folder tree, a Personal Folder (i.e. 3D Objects, Contacts, Desktop, etc... ) continues to show even after making active the Hidden property for that Personal Folder.

    Expected Results:
    Any Personal Folder that is marked "Hidden" in the File/Folder Listings Area should also be hidden in the Navigation Pane specifically within the Current User folder tree.

    Steps to recreate the issue: (the following steps assume that the option is deactivated to see hidden folders.)
    1. Open File Explorer
    2. Within Navigation Pane, Right-click over any blank area
    3. Select menu-option "Show All Folders"
    4. Select and Expand the Current User folder tree which is listed as a child object to the "Desktop" folder
    5. Within the File/Folder Listings Area, Right-click on a Personal Folder
    6. Select menu-option "Properties"
    7. Within the new Dialogue window, Select the "General" tab, Select to Activate the Attribute "Hidden", Select the "OK" button
    8. Close File Explorer and then Open File Explorer
    9. Select the Current User folder in the Navigation Pane
    10. Notice the recently-hidden folder is still showing in the Navigation Pane even though it is hidden in the File/Folder Listings Area.

    System Specs:
    • Edition: Windows 10 Home 64bit
    • Version: 1709
    • OS Build: 16299.371
    • Hard Drives: 2 (SSD & Mechanical)
    • C:\ = SSD
    • D:\ = Mechanical

    Current Modifications of System:
    • The %UserProfile% system folder was successfully transferred to D:\ by using Sysprep during Windows Setup. This is the only system folder moved to another drive.

    Current Modifications of File Explorer in Navigation Pane: (using Regedit)
    • Hidden = Quick Access
    • Hidden = Libraries
    • Hidden = OneDrive
    • Hidden = Homegroup
    • Hidden = This PC user personal folders

    Current Modifications of File Explorer in Folder/File Listing Area:
    • Each unwanted Personal Folder was changed to "Hidden" by Right-clicking the folder and Checking the Attribute checkbox marked "Hidden".

    3rd-Party Software Installed:

    • Classic Shell
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • IObit Driver Booster
    • Macrium Reflect
     
  4. Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it?

    steam games won't show up in program files(x86)

    Hi,

    We suggest that you check if the folder is hidden by following these steps:

    • In the search box on the taskbar, type folder, and then select
      Show hidden files and folders from the search results.
    • Under Advanced settings, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and then select
      OK.
    Let us know how it goes.
     
    Nathaniel Mon, Jun 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
    #4
Thema:

Why does searching for a folder/file show different results than navigating to it?

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