File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties

Variance · 23 Aug 2019

So my problem is that when typing into the tags field on File Explorer, it no longer opens a list of all tags that I could be typing. For example, if I wanted to add the tag "Male" to a picture I have, when typing the "M" it would already list out all tags I've used that start with "M," narrowing down the list as I type more. Or of course would just automatically complete the tag when I clicked on one of the options.

This problem persists for any properties that I try to change, whether the file be JPG, MP3, the properties that used to pop up are no longer appearing, thus I have to fully type out every tag. I am still capable of searching via any of the properties however and I can also sort by tags in File Explorer. The only issue is that Explorer no longer "remembers" tags I've used before to help me fill them in.

File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties-explorer_wgwwek07rb.jpg

My current File Explorer Options are

File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties-explorer_70h4kn1d4s.jpg

I've messed around with the inline AutoComplete as well to see if that would do the trick but to no avail.
My Advanced Internet Options are

File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties-rundll32_vre6u85lah.jpg

Any troubleshooting or methods I can try that may work, I'd be happy to hear about them.
Any information that I can provide to help you better understand my settings, please ask and I'll add it.

dalchina · 23 Aug 2019

Hi just to clarify - if you now add tags, is newly entered data recorded and subsequently available, or does that not work either now? I.e. have you both lost old data and the inability to record new data to be offered when you fill fields?

And are you seeing these? (Similar for photo tags).

A quick test for photo tags shows previously entered similar tags are not offered.
The options offered are - well- unfamiliar..

File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties-1.png

File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties-2.png

What is your Windows build? Windows key + r, winver

Variance · 23 Aug 2019

My current Windows Build is

File Explorer no longer lists out previously used tags in properties-winver_zaytvthpmv.jpg

Tags that I've had input before this problem arose as well as after do not appear as your example shows when you typed in the "m". I am still able to search my files by using tag:male however, so the tags are there in the file properties, but I'm just unable to get that drop down menu as you have where I can select and see tags that are similar to what I'm typing.

dalchina · 23 Aug 2019

Please try creating a new user for test purposes &logging in as that user, to see if its user profile corruption or Windows in general.

Variance · 23 Aug 2019

Just made a new account to log in as, after windows performed its "getting things ready for you" process, I then downloaded some pictures and attempted to add tags to them. Same issue, the tag I had just input on one picture, could not be called upon by me typing the exact same thing in the second one.

dalchina · 23 Aug 2019

I am wondering how one determines what the 'correct' behaviour here is. On neither of my 1903 PCs (one started as 1511, the other as 1809) is there any evidence of previously used tags being offered.

There is the difference in that the more complex of these (the older one with more programs installed) there is that odd drop-down list.

Let's see if anyone else contributes.

dalchina · 23 Aug 2019

See 2nd post here:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-969f4988c6d0#

Variance · 23 Aug 2019

That was actually the first thread I came across and tested. Just to give it another shot I ran the tool, checked to make sure my "in line autocomplete" was still checked (it was). No changes.

I know this issue is happening in multiple folders as both my MP3 and JPG files don't provide the drop down list anymore. I also checked by placing a bunch of pictures into my SSD (as all my pictures/music are in my HD) and there was no change, still no drop down list.

dalchina · 23 Aug 2019

I've now tried that and one other similar.. like you, no effect.

So I'm wondering if either MS has dropped that as a feature, or it's just got broken in passing. Problem is, I've never seen it work in Win 10..but you say it was.

When did it last work for you? An older build of Win 10?

Variance · 23 Aug 2019

It would have to be an older version of Windows 10, I have been using Windows 10 since it came out. I don't recall a time where I wasn't able to type part of my tag and then just use the down arrow, navigating to one of the tags that finishes what I was typing.

I'm unsure what build I was on before doing a clean reboot of Windows though. I had been experiencing Blue Screens about a month ago (my Windows should have been up to date a month ago as well with whatever build it should have been). Because of the Blue Screens I ended up resetting my laptop, expecting it to completely reset everything, but it only ended up resetting my Windows (nothing on my HD was touched). The first time I did this I actually had an issue where I had to wait upwards of 2 minutes to right click on my desktop, so I did the reset once more and now I'm here with this issue.

From my long fix for my Blue Screens, I found out that it was just a case of my drives not being up-to-date (not sure which).