File Explorer search not working in Windows 10 1909

Anonymous
2019-11-20T13:56:08+00:00

Ever since I updated to Windows 10 1909 the Search Box in the File Explorer is completely unuseable. It shows a text cursor but I cannot click inside the box or type any text into it. Essentially it's a text box with no "wiring". 

Any ideas how to resolve this issue? I'm having to resort to using a third-party search app just to find files in my projects.

Kind regards

Byron

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-01-29T08:34:27+00:00

    The calendar does not pop for the date range

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-01-29T04:43:02+00:00

    A fix for Windows Search issues is available for version 1909 with the latest cumulative update in the release preview ring of the Windows Insider program. 

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4532695/windows-10-update-kb4532695

    Updates an issue that causes a grey box to appear when you search within Control Panel and File Explorer.

    Updates an issue that prevents File Explorer's Search Bar from pasting clipboard content using the right mouse button (right-click). 

    Updates an issue that prevents File Explorer's Search Bar from receiving user input.

    If someone needs a direct download Link, I can provide it for you. However, as it is a preview release, it might not be as stable as it should(Essentially KB4532695 would be the update released on Patch Tuesday) 

    Finally! I've been waiting for this for ages! How could it possibly take so long for an essential part of Windows, the search function! It was annoying the **** out of me restarting explorer.exe all the time just to be able to type again in the upper right corner of each File Explorer window I had.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-01-29T02:43:26+00:00

    Changed visual settings - made no difference. Things seem a bit better, I am learning and computer seems to be learning a bit as well.

    Entering something in the search box and then pressing blue right facing arrow brings up results along with 'SEARCH TOOLS' menu, same as before when only clicking on search box. Dismissing entered text with the 'X' still leaves 'Search Tools' menu up, now search works as it used to by using date, name options etc.. Just need to go thru' this extra procedure on each new search if you want to use options contained in 'Search Tools'. I assume Microsoft tested this before release and think this is acceptable - just like a lot of releases issued when they assured us last year that extensive testing would happen. The Cortana search box issue - apparently they knew it was broken but still released the update!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-01-28T22:05:40+00:00

    I did not change any of the visual settings after applying the noted fix.  Still Dark / Light / Custom Color / Custom Theme.  I think there are several issues working here:

    1. Maybe changing the visual settings, maybe before, maybe after applying update 1909 could break search.  I don't know if re-changing them could re-break search.  I tend to try lots of preferences, find one I like, then stick with it.
    2. Search can be 're-initialized' / force re-up of index settings, thereby re-enabling proper indexing, by revisiting the search settings (per re-post of instructions above, this thread page 30 & page 3).  Then wait for indexing to catch up.
    3. Changes to large amounts of data in non-indexed files and/or file types, lots of file moves, software installs, backups, or other heavy use of large or data intensive files, plus maybe high system / processor use, puts strain on the background search process to keep up.  Then click to search does not respond quickly / correctly / at all as a result, appearing broken.  App shutdown and restart forces re-indexing, fixing search.
    4. Search function changed in behavior.  Now improved in some ways, frustrating in others.

    I have not poked around in the Search Settings, or elsewhere, to see if there are options for changing the priority or behavior of the search process.

    I agree with another poster earlier in this thread - report this in the other Microsoft Developer Quality forum (have to go look up the name).

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-01-28T19:11:08+00:00

    Have you tried changing all the visual settings also? I'm curious how the partial solution that doesn't involve the interface changes stacks with it.

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