Fixing the issue of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Many users have faced challenges when attempting to perform searches on Windows 10, yielding no results even when users provide available keywords. This article guides readers on the simplest way to address the issue of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10.

It can be quite troublesome when there are numerous files in a folder, and you need to pinpoint the exact file you're looking for among countless others, especially when the file search system isn't functioning. To accurately find the file you need, you must address the issue of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10.

Fixing the issue of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10

Method 1. Choosing to display Index when the Settings Folder is not visible

Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run window. Then, paste the code below into the Run window and press Enter.

%LocalAppData%\Packages\windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState

Step 2: When the LocalState folder opens, right-click on the Indexed folder and select Properties at the bottom.

Step 3: In the Indexed Properties dialog box, click Advanced...

Step 4: On Advanced Attributes, check the option 'Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties'

Method 2. Restart Windows Explorer Process

To fix the issue of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10, specifically in Windows Explorer, readers should follow the steps below.

Step 1: Right-click in the taskbar area, then select Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Task Manager window, scroll down to find the Windows Explorer process. Right-click on this process and choose Restart.

Method 3. Utilizing the Built-In Troubleshooter on Windows

On Windows 10, the integrated troubleshooter is diverse and can help you fix various issues on your computer, including addressing the problem of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10.

Step 1: You can type the keyword 'control panel' on the Start Menu to open Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, choose View by: Large icons.

Step 2: Search for the Troubleshooting troubleshooter.

Step 3: Continue selecting System and Security.

Step 4: Choose Search and Indexing to troubleshoot issues related to search and indexing.

Step 5: In the Search and Indexing troubleshooting window, you can follow the instructions, remember to check the 'Files don't appear in search results' tool to easily fix the issue of not finding files on Windows 10.

Here are some guides to help you fix the issue of not being able to search for files and folders on Windows 10. In case you can't resolve these issues quickly, you can temporarily address them by using some Windows 10 file search software here, which is very convenient and safe.

There are many errors related to folders on Windows 10, typical ones being the inability to search for files and the inability to name files and folders. These are basic issues that you can try to fix using Unable to Rename Folder Win 10 tips from Mytour. Hopefully, in the future, Microsoft will release updates that comprehensively address these issues.

If you want to use Win 10, you can create a Win 10 installation USB without using other devices like disks or hard drives. Creating a Win 10 installation USB is quite simple, requiring only a USB with a capacity of 4GB or more, the ISO file, and a bootable USB creation tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common reasons for search issues on Windows 10?

Common reasons for search issues on Windows 10 include file indexing settings being disabled, Windows Explorer not functioning correctly, or conflicts with installed applications. Users may also encounter problems due to corrupted files or outdated Windows updates.

How do I enable file indexing for better search results on Windows 10?

To enable file indexing, press Windows + R to open the Run window, paste the specified code, and press Enter. Then, access the Indexed folder's properties, click Advanced, and check the option to allow contents indexing for enhanced search results.

Is it possible to resolve search issues by restarting Windows Explorer?

Yes, restarting Windows Explorer can resolve search issues on Windows 10. This process refreshes the user interface and often fixes temporary glitches affecting the search functionality within the system.

How can I use the built-in troubleshooter to fix search problems?

To use the built-in troubleshooter, open Control Panel and select Troubleshooting. Then navigate to System and Security, choose Search and Indexing, and follow the instructions to troubleshoot and resolve any file search issues effectively.

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