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
    2020-01-21T21:22:07+00:00

    Other workarounds (not requiring any 3rd party tools / downloads).

    This issue is not a show stopper for me, when I can simply restart Windows Explorer from the built-in Task Manager. It's annoying, but it gets you back up and running with the built-in Windows Explorer. Here are the steps:

    1. Right-click on the Windows Task Bar and select Task Manager
    2. In the Apps list, select Windows Explorer
    3. At the bottom right corner of Task Manager, press the Restart button
    4. You can now close the Task Manager

    You can now restart Windows Explorer (Windows-Key, E) and get back to what you were doing before, until the search functionality locks up on you again. Yes, it's annoying having to navigate back there, but least you are safe from potentially malicious 3rd party tools.

    Another workaround is using the Command Prompt (also built in to Windows). If you are not familiar with it, it's a bit of a learning curve. Search the web for "how to use the command prompt". You only need to know how to navigate to the folder with the files you are searching for (the "cd" command) and how to do the file search (the "dir" command). 

    Chris

    PS: these are not solutions, they are workarounds until the spring update is released.

    This workaround works for me, but I have to do this roughly every 3 to 5 different searches or after about 1 to 4 hours. So on days that I am searching frequently, I have to reset numerous times a day. I've tried to intentionally reproduce the issue, without success.

    Kudos to Chris for posting or re-posting this workaround, hopefully Microsoft filters these forums by "Hot" and not by "New".

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-01-21T20:58:49+00:00

    If you block Cortana Windows blocks use of that search feature!  Can't stand Microsoft anymore!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-01-21T18:45:53+00:00

    Meanwhile, I'm using the taskbar Search button. Narrow to Documents. Then select "Search for ... in File Explorer."

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-01-21T16:25:48+00:00

    I have been having this problem for months!  It is making computer life very difficult!  So sick of Microsoft and their issues with updates... one crashed my last laptop!  FIX THIS ISSUE MICROSOFT!  How many complaints do you need to hear before addressing an issue!

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-01-20T20:21:03+00:00

    Hmm.. they are working "hard"

    Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19546General changes, improvements, and fixes for PC

    • We fixed an issue resulting in Timeline not showing any activities.
    • We fixed an issue resulting in Outlook search not working for some.
    • We fixed an issue significantly impacting Task View reliability for some.
    • We fixed an issue where pressing Spatial Sound -> Off in the sound menucaused Explorer.exe to crash.

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