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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

369 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-12-02T13:41:01+00:00

    If you close windows explorer instead of restarting it, just open run from the task manager and type explorer.exe to restart it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-12-03T04:04:01+00:00

    Hello,

    Since going to 1909 (from 1903) not only have I seen this problem with search, but from time to time file explorer will hang (typically when I'm trying to recycle the waste paper basket) and then restart itself.

    Have to say file explorer on 1909 isn't very stable.

    Thanks.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-12-04T16:22:41+00:00

    I'm having the same issue, and when it does let me type no results come up. For instance a folder full of PDFs finds none.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-12-04T16:32:20+00:00

    Another piece of data: 

    I recently got a piece of hardware (a DAP) that perhaps wasn't working properly. In order to work with it to provide a problem scenario, I needed to browse it to find its files and give repro steps to the manufacturer to build up a case for return or repair.

    But that required File Explorer. When I found some problems with the device, I found myself wondering "Is this actually a problem with the device, or is not working because of the Windows 1909 issue"?

    So in addition to a) productivity hit, it is b) lack of confidence in BASIC OPERATING SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY.

    This is bad, really bad.

    Chris

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Neil D 34,280 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-12-04T16:45:06+00:00

    If I type pdf in File Explorer search I see an instant list of pdf files in that folder, selecting one in the list opens the pdf file. Typing *.pdf in search searches the folder and produces a complete list in File Explorer of the pdf files in the folder. Version 1909 build 18363.476

    This is expected behavior, by design. If you have problems with search then there is a problem with the install of Windows 10 on your device.

    I would suggest system file scans, in the first instance.

    Method 1:

    Run DISM tool and check the issue. Please follow these steps:

    a. Press Windows + X keys and click command prompt (admin). Or PowerShell (Admin).

    b. Type the following command in command prompt and press Enter.

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

    after the scan is complete type the following and press Enter

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

    then use method 2.

    Method 2:

    System file checker is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files.

    Run system file checker (SFC) and see if it helps. Please follow these steps:

    a. Press Windows + X keys and click command prompt (admin). Or PowerShell (Admin).

    b. Type the following command in command prompt and press Enter.

    sfc /scannow

    After completing the scans restart using Start > Power > Restart.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments