How To Fix File Explorer Search Box Not Working

If you're like most Windows users, you probably use the search box in File Explorer on a daily basis. After all, it's a quick and easy way to find the files you're looking for without having to sort through everything manually. It helps you locate items by name, file extension, or folder.

However, you may have noticed that the search box in File Explorer isn't working as it should. When you type something into the box, nothing happens, or the File Explorer freezes and crashes.

Unfortunately, there are times when the search box can stop working properly. If you've been having trouble with your File Explorer search box not working, here are a few things you can try to fix the problem. We'll discuss the possible causes for this error and a variety of true and tested solutions to help you get your search box working again.

What Is the File Explorer?

File Explorer is a tool in Windows that allows you to view and manage files on your computer. You can use the File Explorer to create new folders, delete files, and move files around. You can also use it to open files, copy files, and paste files. The File Explorer is a powerful tool that can help you keep your computer organized.

If you are not familiar with the File Explorer, there are a few things you should know. First, the File Explorer is located in the taskbar. To open it, click on the icon that looks like a folder. Second, the File Explorer has two panes. The left pane shows you a list of folders on your computer. The right pane shows you the contents of the selected folder.

Finally, the File Explorer has a toolbar that lets you perform various actions. You can use the toolbar to create new folders, delete files, and copy and paste files. This is also where the search is located.

File Explorer Not Working in Windows: Possible Causes

Like most Windows problems, the cause of the File Explorer search box not working issue can vary. This issue can happen on Windows 11, Windows 10, and even earlier versions of the operating system. Some of the most common causes include the following:

Corrupted system files - Windows files may get corrupted for a variety of reasons, including malware and software conflicts. If your system files are corrupted, this can prevent your File Explorer from working properly.
Corrupt or damaged search index - The search index is a database that stores information about the files on your computer. If this index becomes corrupt or damaged, it can prevent your search box from functioning properly.
Invalid permissions - Windows uses permissions to control who has access to your files and folders. If the permissions for one of your system files are incorrect, this can prevent your File Explorer search from working properly.
Service conflict - Some users have noticed that certain services can conflict with the File Explorer search box. If you are having trouble with this issue, it may be a good idea to check your services and make sure that none of them are misconfigured.
Poor configuration - There are some Windows settings you may need to configure correctly in order to ensure that your File Explorer search box is working properly. You may need to manually adjust some of these settings, or you may be able to find a tool or program that can help you make the necessary changes.

If you suspect that any of these problems are causing your File Explorer search not to work, you can try some of the solutions listed below. In case you don't know what's causing the problem, we recommend that you try each solution one by one until you find the one that works.

Solved: File Explorer Not Opening in Windows

Here are some of the most effective solutions for fixing the File Explorer search not working issue in Windows:

Restart the File Explorer process
Enable the Windows Search service
Use a PowerShell command
Run the System File Checker
Change your search options
Allow Context Indexing for files
Rebuild the search index
Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
Restart and re-register Cortana
Install the KB4532695 update on Windows 10

Let's go over each of these solutions in more detail.

Method 1. Restart the Windows Explorer Process

Sometimes, the quickest way to fix a problem is to simply restart the process that is causing the issue. The Windows Explorer process is directly linked with the File Explorer, which makes restarting it effective in resolving File Explorer search issues. To do this:

Open the Task Manager:
- Windows 10: Right-click on an empty space in your taskbar, and then select Task Manager from the context menu.
- Windows 11: Right-click on the Start menu and choose Task Manager from the context menu.
- Alternatively, you can use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut.
If the Task Manager opens in compact mode, you need to click on the More details button to expand its view. This will give you access to all running programs and background processes.
Stay in the default Processes tab, and click on the Windows Explorer process to select it. Click on the now visible Restart button in the bottom-right of the window.
Wait for the Windows Explorer to restart. It shouldn’t take longer than 60 seconds, depending on your hardware. Your taskbar, open windows, and desktop may temporarily disappear — this signals that the Explorer process is rebooting itself.

Method 2. Enable the Windows Search Service

The Windows Search service is an indexing service that catalogs items on the computer, making it easier and faster to find them. Once the Windows Search service is enabled, the system will start indexing files automatically. To enable the Windows Search service, follow these steps:

Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
Type in services.msc and click on the OK button. This is going to launch the Services window, which might take a few seconds to fully load.
Right-click on the Windows Search service and choose Properties.
Set the Startup type to Manual. If the service isn’t running, click on the Start button. Click Apply, then OK. You should be back at the list of services.
Close the Services window and see if you still run into the File Explorer search not working error. If the problem is still present, move on to the next solution.

Method 3. Use a PowerShell Command

PowerShell is a powerful tool that can help you troubleshoot or resolve various issues on your computer. In some cases, the PowerShell command may be able to fix File Explorer search problems. To use a PowerShell command to fix the issue, follow these steps:

Open the Windows Search bar and type in the word PowerShell. From the search results, highlight the Windows PowerShell application and click Run as Administrator.
When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions. This allows the elevated PowerShell to open. If you're using a local account that doesn't have administrator permissions, click here to learn how to grant admin access.
Copy and paste the following command into your PowerShell window:
- Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Search | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Press the Enter key on your keyboard to execute the command. You must wait for it to finish running before you check if the File Explorer search box is working.

Method 4. Run the System File Checker

When dealing with corrupt files on your computer, it's a good idea to run the System File Checker tool. This can help identify corrupted system files on your computer and fix them automatically. To use the System File Checker tool, follow these steps:

Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. Press Windows + S on your keyboard as a shortcut.
Type Command Prompt in the search box. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator. If you're using a local account that doesn't have administrator permissions, click here to learn how to grant admin access.
When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
Type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: sfc /scannow
Wait for the System File Checker to finish scanning your computer. In the case of a discrepancy, the utility will restore system files and fix all errors related to them.

Method 5. Change Your Search Options

Some users have reported that changing one option in your File Explorer could solve the search issue.

Open the File Explorer by either pressing the icon in the taskbar or using the Windows + E keyboard shortcut.
Click on the See More button, and then select Options from the context menu. On Windows 10, you may need to navigate to View > Options instead.
Switch to the Search tab, and then make sure that the Always search file names and contents (this might take several minutes) option is selected.
Click the Apply button and see if this fixed the problem with the File Explorer search box not working.

If the above solution didn’t work right away, make sure to try and restart your computer. In some cases, changes will only take place after you’ve restarted your system.

Method 6. Allow Context Indexing for Files

Context indexing is a feature that adds context information about files to their entries in the search index. This can help you find what you're looking for more easily. To enable context indexing, follow these steps:

Open the File Explorer by either pressing the icon in the taskbar or using the Windows + E keyboard shortcut.
Right-click on your Local Disk (usually the C: drive) and select Properties from the context menu.
Make sure that the Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties option is selected. If it’s not, select it and click the Apply button.
Repeat these steps on any other drives you have. After enabling it on all drives, restart your computer and see if the problem with the File Explorer search not working is solved.

Method 7. Rebuild the Search Index

If restarting the File Explorer process and enabling the Windows Search service did not work, it may be necessary to rebuild the search index. This can help refresh your system's search index and fix any underlying issues that might have been causing the problem. To rebuild the search index, follow these steps:

Open the Windows Search bar and type in Indexing Options. From the search results, click on the corresponding option to open it. This should take you to the Control panel.
Click on the Advanced button. You may be required to have an administrator account in order to make changes here!
Switch to the File Types tab, and then make sure you select Index Properties and File Contents under the “How should this file be indexed?” section.
Confirm your selection and see if this helped fix the File Explorer search box not working.

Method 8. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a variety of troubleshooters to make fixing your system an easier task. The Search and Indexing troubleshooter can help you identify and fix various issues with your search functionality on your computer. To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

Click on the Start menu in your taskbar, and then choose Settings. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows + I shortcut.
Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. If you’re using Windows 10, you need to go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select the Search and Indexing troubleshooter, and then click on the Run button. Windows will automatically start looking for problems related to searching your files.
Select the problems that apply to you, and then click on the Next button.
Follow any on-screen instructions to fix the issue with the File Explorer search box not working. If this didn’t help you, don’t worry - there are some more things you can try to solve this problem.

Method 9. Restart and Re-Register Cortana

Cortana is a useful feature that helps you find information and perform tasks on your computer. However, sometimes it may be necessary to restart Cortana or re-register the service to resolve File Explorer search issues. To do this:

Open the Windows Search bar and type in the word PowerShell. From the search results, highlight the Windows PowerShell application and click Run as Administrator.
When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
Copy and paste the following command into your PowerShell window:
- Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Wait for the command to finish running. After it’s done, restart your device and see if you can successfully search files in File Explorer.

Method 10. Install the KB4532695 Update on Windows 10

In some cases, your Windows system may not be up-to-date and may require an update to fix the issue. Many users dealing with the File Explorer search box not working installed the KB4532695 update, which includes a bug fix for this specific problem.

Download the KB4532695 update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it on your device. After the installation is complete, you can check whether or not this solved your problem with the File Explorer search not working.

Conclusion

The search box in File Explorer is a valuable tool for managing files on your computer. If you have been experiencing issues with the File Explorer search box not working in Windows, we hope that these tips and solutions can help you fix the problem. Of course, if none of these solutions work for you, you may need to consult with a tech support service for further assistance.

One More Thing

Looking for more tips? Check out our other guides in the SoftwareKeep Blog and our Help Center! You’ll find a wealth of information on how to troubleshoot various issues and find solutions to your tech problems.

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