This article is about fix file explorer search not working on Windows 11. File Explorer is a GUI component in all versions of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95, previously known as Windows Explorer. It is a free file manager for Windows PC that allows users to navigate and manage data, drives, folders and files on their computer or mobile device. To access the file system, it provides a graphical user interface through which users can access files, folders or content stored on the computer. It presents several user interface elements on the screen, such as the desktop and taskbar, since it is also an element of the operating system (OS).
However, there are some changes to the way you perform this task. Windows 11’s File Explorer has a much more streamlined toolbar compared to its predecessor. This interface has been simplified compared to the previous sophisticated, divided ribbon design with tabs for the File, Edit and View options. Almost every new version of Windows is accompanied by a new collection of icons to help you get around.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system is no exception, as it includes a new set of vibrant icons for the built-in applications that have a flat, shaded look. New File Explorer icons represent general folders, documents and special folders such as pictures and downloads, as well as new folder and document icons. Although simplifying a user interface by hiding options can sometimes make it difficult to use, Microsoft seems to have found the perfect balance in this case. Below, we have mention the steps to fix file explorer search not working on Windows 11/10 PC.
4 Methods to Fix File Explorer Search Not Working on Windows 11/10 PC
Restart your computer
There are more scenarios where the familiar reboot is helpful than you might think. Usually, users skip this step and unnecessarily complicate their task, thinking that a simple restart won’t do anything.
Step 1: Restart your computer first, because superficial errors can be fixed without you having to intervene once the computer is booted.
Step 2: However, you should move on to the next approach if you have already tried this and your problem has not been fixed yet.
End SearchHost.exe
Step 1: Open task manager on your Windows 11.
Step 2: Navigate to the Details tab, then look for SearchHost.exe and click on it followed by End Task from the right-bottom corner.3
Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to System in the left panel followed by Troubleshoot from the right side.
Step 2: Once you are inside the Troubleshoot menu, click on the Other trouble-shooters option.
Step 3: Now scroll down until you meet the Search and Indexing troubleshooter and click Run next to it.
Update Windows
Step 1: To launch the Settings app, tap on the Windows key + I, then select Windows Update from the left menu.
Step 2: If you need to download any new updates, click the Install now option and wait for the procedure to complete; otherwise, click the Check for updates button.
Final Words
We hope you understand this article on fix file explorer search not working on Windows 11. Windows File Explorer provides a search box that allows you to search for files in the current folder or anywhere on the computer. If you noticed, Microsoft seems to have changed the behavior of the Explorer search box in Windows 11 or Windows 10, Where your search box not working properly, you can resolve this problems by following the steps mentioned above but still if this issue is not resolve then there are other Windows File Explorer Alternatives You Should Try.
I hope you understand this article, How to Fix File Explorer Search Not Working on Windows 11.
