Windows 10: Windows 11 - 'File Explorer' has lost ability to search for specific text in documents. Can...

Discus and support Windows 11 - 'File Explorer' has lost ability to search for specific text in documents. Can... in Windows 10 Gaming to solve the problem; Hello All, I've just upgraded from Windows 10 to 11 a few days ago. I have noticed that the 'File Explorer' tab is severely lacking in function. I need... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Gaming' started by DaveE#, Dec 29, 2021.

  1. DaveE# Win User

    Windows 11 - 'File Explorer' has lost ability to search for specific text in documents. Can...


    Hello All, I've just upgraded from Windows 10 to 11 a few days ago. I have noticed that the 'File Explorer' tab is severely lacking in function. I need the ability to search for very specific, unusual key words or names in my historic .docx Word Documents and Pdf's. I'm very familiar with searching in Windows 10 so the obvious things like, have I chosen the correct folder, have I clicked the 'All subfolders' option and clicked the 'File Contents' option have all been tried but with no joy. In Windows 10 when I typed a word into the top right hand box it popped up with the file. Now, in

    :)
     
    DaveE#, Dec 29, 2021
    #1
  2. dalchina Win User

    Searching for documents with a specific text string

    Assuming search indexing is working properly: note that File Explorer search should behave as you expect, if settings correct; Cortana search, on the other hand, will ONLY find indexed documents, and there are options to click on to select searching Apps, Documents, Music etc. (see Filters in Cortana's Window, top right)

    Note settings that could stop this happening:

    Windows 11 - 'File Explorer' has lost ability to search for specific text in documents. Can... [​IMG]

    - per file

    Windows 11 - 'File Explorer' has lost ability to search for specific text in documents. Can... [​IMG]

    - per file type
     
    dalchina, Dec 30, 2021
    #2
  3. 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.
     
    Maestro2711, Dec 30, 2021
    #3
  4. Windows 11 - 'File Explorer' has lost ability to search for specific text in documents. Can...

    Searching specific files using File Explorer

    Hi,



    Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



    I understand your query related to searching for files using File Explorer.



    You can use the search option in File Explorer to search for the files/folders that you are looking for.



    1. Press Windows + E to open
      File Explorer.
    2. Now click on the Search bar on the top right corner of the
      File Explorer window.
    3. Type in the file/folder name you want to search for and hit
      Enter.
    4. You can also use the extension of the file that you want to search, like
      *.mp3, *.wav, *.mp4


    Additionally you can refer the article
    Find your documents in Windows 10




    If you are facing issues with slow search then you may want to try running the search indexing troubleshooter and see if that helps. Refer the article

    Fix problems in Windows Search




    In addition, if you have any suggestions/feedback related to using Windows Search then you can provide your feedback/suggestion using the

    Feedback Hub app
    on Windows 10.



    Regards,

    Prakhar Khare

    Microsoft Community – Moderator
     
    Prakhar_Khare, Dec 30, 2021
    #4
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