5 Ways to Fix File Explorer Search Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Fixes

• Uninstall the recent Windows update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history, and retry the File Explorer search.
• Clear the File Explorer search history from File Explorer Options, and retry searching in the app.

Basic Fixes

• Perform a clean boot: An installed PC software may conflict with the File Explorer app, causing the search issue. Clean boot your Windows 11 system and retry the File Explorer search.
• Restart the Windows Explorer: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut to open the Task Manager and select Processes from the left sidebar. Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
• Update Windows 11: Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I shortcut, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Search Troubleshooter

Windows 11 provides an in-built Search and Indexing troubleshooter to fix search issues in the File Explorer app. Here’s how to launch it:

Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, paste the following, and press Enter to open the Search and Indexing troubleshooter.

msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic

Step 2: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the File Explorer search issue.

Fix 2: Reconfigure Indexing Options

If you’re confident that a particular file exists on your PC but isn’t appearing in the File Explorer search results, reconfiguring the File Explorer’s Indexing Options should fix it.

Step 1: Launch the Run dialog using the Windows + R shortcut, paste the following, and hit Enter.

rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL srchadmin.dll

Step 2: Click Advanced, and approve the UAC prompt.

Step 3: Open the File Types tab, select Index Properties and File Contents, and click OK. This will rebuild the Windows Search Index, fixing the search issue.

Fix 3: Uninstall the Recent Windows Update

A buggy Windows Update may cripple the File Explorer app, creating the search issue. Uninstall the recent Windows 11 update and retry the File Explorer search.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I shortcut, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and click Update history.

Step 2: Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.

Step 3: Locate the recent update using the Installed on label and click Uninstall to revert it.

Fix 4: Clear File Explorer History

Another nifty way to fix the File Explorer search not working on Windows 11 is to clear its search history. This will reduce the system load and enhance the File Explorer’s performance, effectively fixing its search issue.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search File Explorer Options, and click to open it.

Step 2: Click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history to remove it.

Fix 5: Repair Corrupt System Files

Lastly, the File Explorer app may malfunction on Windows if its system files are corrupt. Scan and repair them using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands to restore normalcy.

Step 1: Search Command Prompt in the Windows Search Menu and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type SFC /scannow in the console and press Enter.

Step 3: Finally, execute the following DISM commands sequentially to repair the system image and reboot your PC.

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