Fix Windows 11 File Explorer search not working issue

There are several symptoms that cause your Windows 11 File Explorer search to not work properly. Maybe you can't type anything into the search box, or your file or application doesn't appear in the search results.

If the search button doesn't respond at all, you won't be able to perform even the most basic searches. There is no doubt that future Windows updates will resolve search difficulties that arise due to coding bugs.

However, all search-related issues in Windows are software-related, so a Microsoft update or some tweaks on your part should be enough to resolve File Explorer search glitches.

After we see how File Explorer is changing in Windows 11, we'll walk you through a list of solutions you can implement.

What happened to File Explorer in Windows 11?

File Explorer functions almost the same as in Windows 10 in the following ways: It provides an interface that allows you to interact with files saved on your computer by using a window interface.

However, there are some changes in how you perform this task. Windows 11 File Explorer has a significantly simplified toolbar compared to its predecessor.

This interface has been simplified from its previous complex separated ribbon design, with tabbed file, editing, and viewing options. Instead, you'll find a series of simple icons that will help you perform basic activities, such as creating new folders.

Nearly every new major iteration of Windows comes with a new set of icons to help you get going. Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system is no exception, as it includes a new set of vibrant icons for its built-in apps that have a flat, shaded look.

New File Explorer icons depict general folders, documents, and specific folders (such as Pictures and Downloads), as well as new folder and document icons.

The ellipses (three dots) menu can be used for overflow items such as mapping network drives, selecting everything in a window, and opening options, to name a few.

However, while the occasional attempt to simplify the interface by hiding options may make it harder to use, Microsoft seems to have struck a perfect balance in this case.

What should I do if Windows 11 File Explorer search doesn’t work?

1. Restart your computer

The well-known restart process is useful in more situations than you think. Users often skip this step, making their task unnecessarily more difficult because they think that simply restarting will not help.

First, restart your computer, as any superficial errors or bugs may be resolved while the machine boots without further intervention on your part.

However, if you have already tried this and your problem is not resolved, you should move on to the next set of solutions.

2. End SearchHost.exe

1. and press the CTRL ALT DELETE button on the keyboard at the same time. Then click on Task Manager to open it.
2. Navigate to the Details tab and look for SearchHost.exe and click it, then click End Task in the lower right corner.

Once the process is complete, try opening a new File Explorer window and searching for the information you were looking for previously.

3. Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows I key to open the Settings application, Then navigate to System in the left panel and Troubleshoot from the right.
2. After entering the Troubleshooting menu, click the Other Troubleshooting option.
3. Now scroll down until you come across Search and IndexingTroubleshooting and click Run next to .

When the troubleshooter finishes searching for errors, it will display the specific error that occurred and instructions on how to fix it. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly as written.

4. Update Windows

1. Press Windows I to open the Settings app and click Windows Update# in the left panel ##.
If you have any new updates to download, click on the
2. Install Now button and wait for the process to complete, otherwise click on the Check for Updates button.

Using an older version of Windows may cause problems that can be resolved by updating to the latest version. File Explorer search errors will definitely be addressed and fixed with updates.

Who can view my OneDrive files?

Since you can easily save files in OneDrive directly from FileExplorer, the default settings only allow you to access this page. It's similar to your local disk, the My Documents feature, or your desktop computer. Therefore, there is no need to worry about confidentiality or security.

#If you share a OneDrive file with someone, that person will undoubtedly have access to the file. However, you can revoke permission at any time by going to the "Share" option from the drop-down menu.

Don't even consider saving data locally on your desktop because of the mistaken belief that they are more secure. OneDrive for Business is designed to keep your information confidential and secure. Additionally, it provides you with many advantages.

One of these advantages is on-demand file synchronization. As a result, customers no longer need to sync their entire OneDrive structure, instead they can simply select the files that should be available on a specific device.

Given that storage space on phones and tablets is limited and often unexpandable, customers can choose to sync the documents they want to take with them across all their devices at no additional cost.

Another advantage is usability. It's always available. You can be sure that users will always be able to access the content they store there. In fact, Microsoft has maintained a service uptime rating of at least 99.97% since 2015.

Accessibility is another big advantage of OneDrive functionality, as you can easily store files and access them directly from the File Explorer window.

User-generated and collaborative content can now be centrally managed by the organization, and users can now consume content that is appropriately protected by the organization.

According to our research, overall, OneDrive is the most user-friendly, secure, and integrated personal storage option on the market today.

The above is the detailed content of Fix Windows 11 File Explorer search not working issue. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!