Windows 10: Windows 11 search can`t find existing files

Discus and support Windows 11 search can`t find existing files in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Hi,After my PC updated to windows 11, I am not able to easily find existing files. For example I go to "search Downloads" and type in file name- it... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Sander Veskilt, Mar 14, 2025 at 6:47 AM.

  1. Windows 11 search can`t find existing files


    Hi,After my PC updated to windows 11, I am not able to easily find existing files. For example I go to "search Downloads" and type in file name- it doesn`t find it. Only when I manually scroll the whole folder then I can spot it in this way. The same situation happens when I try to use general search, not just Downloads folder.Very frustrating. Why have you messed up the system?

    :)
     
    Sander Veskilt, Mar 14, 2025 at 6:47 AM
    #1

  2. Search Content of MHT files

    Hi David,

    Most probably, this is a problem with the search and indexing of your Windows 10 computer. For us to provide the best resolution possible, we would like to clarify the following:

    • Are you trying to search the content of MHT files using Cortana?
    • Have you tried searching it using the File Explorer?
    • Are you using a third-party app to search for the content of MHT files?

    As an initial troubleshooting step, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter for search and indexing. To run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter, follow these steps:

    • Click the Start button and select the Settings
      icon.
    • Choose Update & Security from the list.
    • Click Troubleshoot in the left pane of the window.
    • Under Find and fix other problems.
    • Select Search and Indexing and click Run the troubleshooter.

    We'll keep an eye out for your response.
     
  3. MattBK Win User
    Windows 11 Windows Search not searching or Indexing PDFs

    Brand new Dell XPS laptop with Windows 11. It will not search text within PDF files. From looking on the internet seems like there are lots of problems Windows Search in Windows 11 which did not exist in Windows 10. Including not searching/indexing contents of PDF files, which is critical for me.

    Has ANYONE been able to search within PDF files on Windows 11?

    Please don't suggest re-indexing, have done 6 or 7 times. And, yes indexing settings are set to index contents of PDF files.
     
  4. Windows 11 search can`t find existing files

    Edge Search Does Not Permit Change of Region


    I got these suggestions from the Microsoft Community forum.No. 1 worked for me:

    Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community. I am glad to assist you on this.
    We have reproduce the issue here and we are able to access non-regional search for google using Microsoft Edge.
    I would suggest you to try the below steps and check if it helps.
    Step 1:
    Clear browsing data option of Microsoft Edge and check if you face the issue. To do so perform the steps below.

    1. Click on the More actions icon next to the feedback icon present on top right corner of the Project Spartan homepage.
    2. Select Settings and click on Choose what to clear.
    3. Check the boxes Browsing history, Cookies and saved website data and Cached data and files and click on Clear.
    Step 2:
    I suggest you to create a new user account and check if the issue occurs.

    1. Go to Settings.
    2. Choose Accounts and then select Family and other users.
    3. Select add someone else on this PC.
    4. Enter a user name and hit next.
    5. Click on Finish.
    6. Sign out from the current Account and Log into the new account.
    Step 3:
    It could also happen because of network issue. I suggest you to try with different network connection and check if it helps.
     
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Windows 11 search can`t find existing files

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