Windows 10: Windows 11 how to files search by letter

I've been trying to figure out how to search for files by letter in a folder without it showing me every file still. for example I wanted to look for files that started with the letter "C" but it only highlights those files instead of only showing me those. and every time I move or change a file it puts me back at the top of the folder. It gets frustrating since I have a lot of files in the folder and don't want to keep having to scroll all the way back to my spot every time I move a file. I noticed when I type a word it will only show me those files but when its I just type a letter it only h

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File Explorer Multi-Letter Search - Windows 11

Today's update:

I have run through the steps in https://thegeekpage.com/how-to-fix-file-explorer-search-not-working-in-windows-10/ where applicable. I have:

- Reset all View/Folder settings to "default" using the "Reset to default" buttons in the Folder Options dialogues

- Allowed the entire index to refresh completely

- Tested this with local and remote folders, all function the same.

- Ensured the "search" box and bar are functional, I can find all documents at all times.

- Restarted the computer

- Restarted Cortana and Windows Search, respectively both pre- and post-reboot

But my problem remains. Typing directly into the white-space of File Explorer should allow for multi-letter searching. tying in "m-y-space-b" should return any file containing that text, not three different folder results for each letter M, Y, and B. This is non-default behavior and must be a setting somewhere. i am also curious if it is simply a performance thing. After typing one letter, the search executes immediately and my mouse icon becomes the spinning-circle for "thinking" before I can even type a second letter. There is no lag, however, on the laptop input either from the remote USB keyboard nor from the integrated keyboard. Both function the same.

I am open to other suggestions, this is a very weird behavior. If nothing else, I can probably re-image the machine this coming weekend to see if I can get the search function to work correctly when typing directly into the file explorer window.

 

File Explorer Multi-Letter Search - Windows 11

Hi Bradley. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

It's obviously not working correctly or one would not be able to search for anything beyond the first letter typed.

So let's try Windows 11 File Explorer search fixes:

https://thegeekpage.com/how-to-fix-file-explore...

https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-file-explo...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/report-a...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-file-... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://appuals.com/file-explorer-search-not-wo...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.lifewire.com/fix-search-not-working...



Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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How to change SYSTEM drive letter to C from another letter

I am working on a step by step process to fix the computer for windows 11 upgrade. (Currently have Windows 10) This was a built PC, but when my friend installed the OS for me somehow the windows install drive became the F drive. Here is a view of disk management I want to do the following (believe I need to do in this order).

1. Move windows install drive letter from F to C
2. Fix it so bootloader is MBR / on the SSD

Afraid of just changing the letter in disk management as the system will look for system files in the f-drive. I do have AOMEI partition assistant installed if that is useful for this task. I really appreciate any help in how to do it.