How to Resolve Issues with the Windows File Explorer Search Box- 2025

How to Resolve Issues with the Windows File Explorer Search Box

The Windows File Explorer search box is an essential tool that helps users quickly locate files and folders on their computer. However, it can sometimes stop working, making it difficult to find files efficiently. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry—this guide provides multiple solutions to restore functionality.

1. RESTART FILE EXPLORER

Before trying advanced solutions, restart File Explorer to see if the issue resolves:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Scroll down and locate Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Try using the search box again.

2. RUN THE SEARCH AND INDEXING TROUBLESHOOTER

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to fix common search-related issues:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Search and Indexing, then click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.

3. RESTART WINDOWS SEARCH SERVICE

If the Windows Search service is not running, it can cause the search box to malfunction:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Search.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. If the service is disabled, right-click it, choose Properties, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Start.

4. REBUILD THE SEARCH INDEX

Rebuilding the search index can resolve problems related to File Explorer search:

1. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Go to Indexing Options.
3. Click Advanced and then Rebuild under the Troubleshooting section.
4. Wait for Windows to rebuild the index (this may take some time).
5. Try searching again after the process is complete.

5. ENABLE SEARCH INDEXING

If indexing is disabled, it can affect search functionality:

1. Open Indexing Options from the Control Panel.
2. Click Modify, then ensure your drive (usually C:) is checked.
3. Click OK, then allow Windows to update the index.

6. RUN SYSTEM FILE CHECKER (SFC) AND DISM SCANS

Corrupted system files can cause the search box to stop working. Running these scans can help:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer.
4. If the issue persists, run the following commands one by one:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Restart your computer and check if the search box is working.

7. CLEAR FILE EXPLORER SEARCH HISTORY

Sometimes, search history conflicts can cause issues:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click inside the search box.
3. Click on the Search tab that appears.
4. Select Recent searches > Clear search history.
5. Restart File Explorer and try searching again.

8. UPDATE WINDOWS

Updating Windows can fix search-related bugs:

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
4. Restart your computer after updating.

9. PERFORM A SYSTEM RESTORE

If the issue started recently, restoring your system to a previous working state may help:

1. Press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point before the issue occurred.
3. Click Next and then Finish to restore your system.
4. Restart your computer after the process completes.

10. RESET WINDOWS SEARCH

If none of the above solutions work, resetting Windows Search may help:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

   Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Search | Reset-AppxPackage

3. Restart your computer and check if the search box is working.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If your Windows File Explorer search box isn’t working, one of these solutions should help you resolve the issue. Try them one by one until the search functionality is restored. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.