computer problem-Windows Search function

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Since Windows 10, the best way for me to use the 'Windows Search' box was to type something andthen click the option that appeared just above the Windows Search box that said 'search in files and folders' (I believe it said).

The past 3 days I no longer have this option.  It will still find files and list them above the SW box, but that
is not much value to me.  Previously, I could do a search and bring up the list of items in a folder view, where I could then move, delete, rename etc while the list stayed on the screen;  now that the option to bring up the folder view is gone, my options are severely disabled.  If I go to search PC then I can obtain said folder view but then the search takes several minutes instead of microseconds.  Searching through 'file explorer' (quick access) brings up the view that I want, but the search is incomplete, despite the fact that the corresponding folders are allegedly in quick access.

I hope this description is clear.  I've down several dozen searches on the web to resolve this and spoken to
a few computer-literate friends, but no success.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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InstrupsychedeMental Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: January 31 2016 Location: Toronto, ON, CA Status: Offline Points: 75	Topic: computer problem-Windows Search function Posted: August 11 2016 at 09:27
	Since Windows 10, the best way for me to use the 'Windows Search' box was to type something and then click the option that appeared just above the Windows Search box that said 'search in files and folders' (I believe it said). The past 3 days I no longer have this option. It will still find files and list them above the SW box, but that is not much value to me. Previously, I could do a search and bring up the list of items in a folder view, where I could then move, delete, rename etc while the list stayed on the screen; now that the option to bring up the folder view is gone, my options are severely disabled. If I go to search PC then I can obtain said folder view but then the search takes several minutes instead of microseconds. Searching through 'file explorer' (quick access) brings up the view that I want, but the search is incomplete, despite the fact that the corresponding folders are allegedly in quick access. I hope this description is clear. I've down several dozen searches on the web to resolve this and spoken to a few computer-literate friends, but no success. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Vompatti Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member VIP Member Joined: October 22 2005 Location: elsewhere Status: Offline Points: 67458	Posted: August 11 2016 at 11:43
	I don't use Windows, but if the search results aren't complete I would check that indexing is properly enabled: Control Panel -> Indexing Options -> Modify -> [check everything that should be checked] -> OK -> Advanced -> Rebuild

chopper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 13 2005 Location: Essex, UK Status: Offline Points: 20033	Posted: August 12 2016 at 05:16
	Have you installed the Windows 10 upgrade in the last 3 days? I don't use the search much but maybe Microsoft have changed something?

InstrupsychedeMental Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: January 31 2016 Location: Toronto, ON, CA Status: Offline Points: 75	Posted: August 12 2016 at 17:05
	Still same. Index is rebuilt and fine. Might be a Windows update that changed some setting but I can't figure out what the hell it is. People I'm talking to tell me they've got Cortana working as their search window, on the taskbar, but my Cortana has been mostly dormant since getting Win10 (it's there, and running, but apparently totally superfluous). The search that I had a few days ago, mentioned above, was working fine without Cortana. However, after this problem began (search problem, that is), I tried to get Cortana running as an alternative method for said search, and it appears that I cannot jump through the necessary hoops; Cortana doesn't like the language I've chosen and it won't allow me to change it, despite following certain directions telling me to download and install the appropriate language pack. Still no go. Allegedly there was some issue with Cortana in Canada but I'm not sure about the details. One other option I was hoping would work is to change the search settings in 'This PC' to search only indexed locations. However, unclicking 'file contents' and 'system files' in 'advanced options' (under 'In non-indexed locations'), didn't do anything to speed up my searches. I'm just going to have to keep dicking around, but I'm frustrating that things like that are constantly changing on my system without my ability to resolve. This, along with the daily grinding of my HD by Win10's background processes--app. compatibility checks, malware checks, defragathon, etc--is why I am anxiously hoping for them to skip a couple and just gimme Windows 13. Time for tunes & headphones...the ballgame's about to begin. Don't knock it until you try it. Thanks for the consideration. Edited by InstrupsychedeMental - August 13 2016 at 05:43

chopper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 13 2005 Location: Essex, UK Status: Offline Points: 20033	Posted: August 13 2016 at 04:03
	If it's any consolation, I installed the Windows 10 Anniversary upgrade and afterward Windows decided my speakers weren't plugged in. It took me a few hours to find a solution on YouTube. Anyway, back to your search problem. I must admit I'm not really clear what the issue is, can you post a screenshot?