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
    2020-01-15T09:18:16+00:00

    The only way this issue was resolved, was by rolling back and install 1903 or any older version. There is an issue with 1909 and won't be resolved until an update is released.

    I've installed and uninstalled 1909 several times in the hope that the search problem might have disappeared in a modified update. Last uninstall was yesterday - I'm back on 1903 and now the update is no longer available - wonder if this means that Microsoft have withdrawn it for the moment.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-01-15T05:46:05+00:00

    First why did Microsoft remove the ability to revert?

    Because they don't want us to go back to the damn good Windows 7. I noticed the same when I upgraded my computer and now I am stuck with an bugged operating system. nice Microsoft nice

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-01-15T04:04:30+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.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-01-15T03:55:16+00:00

    I'm here because i have the same issue.

    I seem to have cured my problem by going to

    "Choose default apps by protocol"

    selected

    "Search (Windows Explorer)" and re selected "Windows Search Protocol"

    Its possible the registry got crapped on and this has fixed it.

    Can someone try it and report back

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-01-14T21:04:49+00:00

    I'm having the same problem. When I try to click in the search box, it does nothing, like the field is completely disabled. I have killed and restarted File Explorer and then it usually works for a while, but that's a completely unacceptable "solution."

    It's really ridiculous that Microsoft's official Windows 10 update breaks File Explorer's search capabilities. I mean, I cannot even type into the Search box. Microsoft, please take heed and fix this ASAP!

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