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. Neil D 34,280 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-12-05T15:25:45+00:00

    I appreciate there is a problem with some updates to 1909 but they won't get addressed by commenting here,

    You need to post the problems in the Feedback Hub for the developers to be aware of. Unfortunately with all the testers working within Microsoft and the Insider program it seems some still get out and affect some users. It looks to me like Microsoft have tried to change the way search in File Explorer works and it has had some detrimental effects.

    Again post to the Feedback Hub and give details not just complain.

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  2. 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.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-12-01T15:27:44+00:00

    Issue number 1:

    I have the same issue with cursor working and not working in the search bar. The only way I can solve it is to go to the task manager and end task Windows Explorer. That will solve it immediately but the error does occur again. Until I found out about the ending Windows Explorer via the task manager, I had to restart my system which was ridiculous.

    If I end the process via task manager Windows taskbar disappears, and I have to restart.

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-11-28T11:19:57+00:00

    Exactly the same here...

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  5. Anonymous
    2019-11-28T02:13:53+00:00

    I have having the exact same issues. I cannot click to enter the search box and type anything. Closing it out "fixes it but the box is misaligned. Ctrl+F will enter the box but as someone else also described it will type the first letter and then replace it with every other letter you type following.

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