Help me to get my Windows 10 File Explorer Search Box working again

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  1. Posts : 103
    Windows 10 64bit
       #1

    Help me to get my Windows 10 File Explorer Search Box working again


    A few weeks ago I noticed my Windows 10 File Explorer search box wouldnt let me type anything in it anymore
    Dont know if I should download an App or Program to use instead? As I really miss it.

    I also read though that a windows update was creating the same problem. Online it said a lot of people had the same problem.
    But didnt know what to do. Hoped Microsoft would make it right
    Since my pc was slowing up I decided to reset it hoping that would solve everything
    Was nervous doing it even though I had previosly reset Windows ME, XP and 7
    But windows 10 seemed more of a challenge to me.
    I pessed Reset and waited After an hour it said Finished...There was a problem restting your pc!
    It suggested for me to click on Fresh Start to solve it.
    After an hour it said Finished...There was a problem restting your pc!

    So I am back where I started. Any ideas folks? I am not confident doing much more.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Help me to get my Windows 10 File Explorer Search Box working again-..hp-computer-system-details.jpg  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hello, you don't seem to have stated your build number as prompted clearly by the forum when you created your post.

    I will guess you are running build 1909.

    That is/was a known issue, much discussed here, and a problem created by MS - widely reported if you search for e.g.
    search broken 1909

    New 1909 search bar is broken : Windows10
    New Windows 1909 and 1903 updates fix File Explorer search, but it still has bugs | ZDNet

    When I saw that behaviour I immediately reverted to 1903 by uninstalling the update.

    There have been subsequent updates to 1909 which have improved that- apparently better in 20H1. However, correct search syntax is no longer highlighted in blue, alas.

    Your failed reset suggests you may have other problems.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 2,123
    Windows 11 Pro (latest update ... forever anal)
       #3

    JO69 said:
    So I am back where I started. Any ideas folks? I am not confident doing much more.
    Workarounds (i.e. just download and install) ...

    - use xplorer2 lite (freeware) as an alternative to File Explorer
    xplorer2 lite: free windows explorer replacement (file manager)

    - install additional search programs (right-click context menu search options when in File Explorer) - both freeware.

    Everything Search
    voidtools

    and/or

    UltraSearch
    Free File Search Tool UltraSearch | JAM Software
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    If you were previously running 1903 and upgraded using the enablement package which upgraded you to 1909 you can uninstall that, be back at 1903, and rejoice.

    Then take appropriate steps to avoid the update.

    Or you can make sure you have a recent update as per the article I posted- did you read it?- which improves things apparently.

    Good luck.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 103
    Windows 10 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Hi I dont know much about the workings of a pc to change things sorry. Do I have to find this update and remove it?
    Can you tell me how to do this if so please?
    Or wait for Microsoft to correct it.

    Also how do I know I have 1909?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #6

    Help me to get my Windows 10 File Explorer Search Box working again-1.jpg
    Settings, About

    Often simpler questions can be answered using Google e.g.
    How do I find my build number "Windows 10"
    - try copying and pasting that and searching with e.g. Google.
    Google can be your best friend sometimes if you search appropriately.

    There are also 100s of tutorials in the Tutorial section, although searching those can be trickier.

    The forum prompted you to include your build number and told you how to find it when you wrote your post.

    You have 3 options:
    If you have 1909, make sure it's up to date- some updates improved search.

    Coming perhaps from May is the next major upgrade- 20H1 or "Windows 10 May 2020 update"- most search issues have been resolved according to insiders.

    Finally consider reverting to build 1903:
    I used Google
    'What is the 1909 enablement package'
    to find the number:
    KB4517245

    If you have that listed in the windows updates in your control panel. programs and features, installed updates you should be able to uninstall it to go back to 1903. However, if you do, you have to take other measures to stop the update being reapplied.
    Last edited by dalchina; 17 Apr 2020 at 03:35.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 16,786
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #7

    Jo,

    Your simplest solution is to leave Windows as it is and just add a third-party search utility such as one of those mentioned by @idgat. Personally, I use NirSoft's SearchMyFiles

    The Windows search problem may or may not be fixed on the second Tuesday of the month after hell freezes over.

    Denis
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16,786
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #8

    Jo,

    I would urge you to consider making system images. Unlike 'system restores' {i.e. using Restore points} or 'resets', making system images and restoring system images are both reliable procedures.

    Macrium Reflect Free is often recommended in this forum for making-restoring system images and there is plenty of help available here for it.
    Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect - TenForumsTutorials
    Macrium Software Macrium Reflect Free
    Macrium USB - TenForums
    Macrium Reflect KnowledgeBase - user guide [version-independent link]
    I use Acronis TI not Macrium Reflect so I cannot provide any help for it.

    Denis
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 42,738
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #9

    Try3 said:
    Jo,
    Your simplest solution is to leave Windows as it is and just add a third-party search utility such as one of those mentioned by @idgat. Personally, I use NirSoft's SearchMyFiles
    The Windows search problem may or may not be fixed on the second Tuesday of the month after hell freezes over.
    Denis
    - agree in general.. two caveats:

    a. the 3rd party fast search tools (which are invaluable) don't provide content indexing. Windows search does.

    (There are some 3rd party tools that do, Docfetcher (free); Lookeen, Copernic - not free).

    b. The date of the feature update (upgrade) to 20H1 is not set, and expect that to be delivered in phases via Windows Update over 2-3 months.

    Personally I always hold back for the flak to die down and for the major update after the feature update. (Anyone remember 1809?)
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 16,786
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #10

    dalchina said:
    - agree in general.. two caveats:

    a. the 3rd party fast search tools (which are invaluable) don't provide content indexing. Windows search does.

    (There are some 3rd party tools that do, Docfetcher (free); Lookeen, Copernic - not free).

    b. The date of the feature update (upgrade) to 20H1 is not set, and expect that to be delivered in phases via Windows Update over 2-3 months.

    Personally I always hold back for the flak to die down and for the major update after the feature update. (Anyone remember 1809?)
    Jo,

    I agree in general with @dalchina but with one caveat:
    Content indexing speeds up searching file contents. Third-party search utilities can search file content [well, NirSoft's SearchMyFiles can and I just assume that many others can] but they might not be as fast as Windows search can be.

    Perhaps you'd like to try a third-party search utility to see if its speed suits you. If it does not then you might be better considering the reversion to Ver 1903 solution instead.

    Denis
      My Computer


 

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