How to fix the File Explorer Not Working search error on Windows 10

You can't even find the most basic applications in File Explorer's search, such as Calculator or Microsoft Word. It's frustrating for users to manually locate all files and folders when the search function isn't working. The main reasons could be indexing issues, a corrupted index database, or simply the search service not running. Whatever the reason, you can try some of the following troubleshooting steps:

How to fix the File Explorer Not Working search error on Windows 10
 

Table of Contents:
1. Changing the Search Index .
2. Ensuring the Windows Search service is running .
3. Terminating the Cortana process .
4. Adding file access permissions .
5. Troubleshooting Search and Indexing .

Fixing File Explorer search not working on Windows 10

1. Change the Search Index

Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box . Then enter the following code and press OK: rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL srchadmin.dll

- Click on Advanced .

- Select File Types tab > Index Properties and File Contents .

- Click OK and then click OK again to confirm.

2. Make sure the Windows Search service is running.

Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box . Then, type services.msc and click OK .

- Find the Windows Search entry , right-click on it, and select Properties.

- In the Startup Type section , select Automatic .

- Make sure the service is running. If not, click the Start button in the Service status section.

3. Terminate the Cortana process.

- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Open Task window .
- Search for Cortana and right-click on it. Then select End task to restart the Cortana process and resolve the issue.

4. Add file access permissions

If File Explorer search isn't working for a particular folder, it's likely you don't have permission to access that folder. To add permissions, do the following:
- Right-click the folder and select Properties .
- Click the Security tab .
- If you don't see System in the list of groups or usernames, click Edit.

- Click on Add and type system into the text box. Then, click on Check names .

- Continue clicking OK and close all open windows.

5. Troubleshooting Search and Indexing

- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys and typing Control Panel . Click OK to open the Control Panel window .

- Select Large icons in View by and click Troubleshooting .

- Select "View all" from the menu on the right.

- Find the "Search and Indexing" section and click on it.

- Select Files Don't appear in search results .

- Continue following the instructions on the screen.

File Search is a useful feature, a quick way to find files on Windows 10 , allowing users to quickly search for almost anything on their computer such as documents, photos, videos, system files, applications, or settings. If this function suddenly stops working, you can apply the methods shared above to fix the problem. Additionally, you can refer to the list of File Explorer shortcuts on Windows 10 here.