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Sometimes, when you try to search for files or folders in Windows 10, you might see the message “No items match your search.” This can be frustrating, especially if you know the item exists on your computer.

This error usually means that Windows Search is having trouble finding what you’re looking for. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue.

In this article, we will guide you through easy, step-by-step solutions to help get your search working again.

Follow along carefully, and you should be able to resolve the problem quickly.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, take a moment to check a few things:

• Make sure you’re searching in the right location. Sometimes the search box is limited to a specific folder or drive.
• Check that the file or folder actually exists. It’s possible it was moved, renamed, or deleted.
• Restart your computer. A simple reboot can often fix minor glitches.
• Confirm your Windows 10 is up to date. Some search problems are fixed in updates.

Step 1: Restart Windows Search Service

The Windows Search service runs in the background and helps Windows find files quickly. If this service is not running properly, your search results may not work.

Here’s how to restart it:

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Search.
4. Right-click on Windows Search and select Restart. If the option is grayed out, click Start.
5. Close the window and try searching again.

Why this matters: Restarting the service resets the search engine, which can solve minor glitches causing the error.

Step 2: Rebuild the Search Index

Windows uses an index to speed up searches. If the index has become corrupted or outdated, you might see the “No items match your search” error.

To rebuild the index:

1. Open the Control Panel. You can do this by typing Control Panel in the Start menu search.
2. Click on Indexing Options. If you don’t see it, change the view to Large icons or Small icons.
3. In the Indexing Options window, click the Advanced button.
4. Under the Index Settings tab, click Rebuild.
5. A warning will appear saying the index will be rebuilt, which may take some time. Click OK to confirm.
6. Wait for the process to complete (you can continue using your PC during this time).
7. Try your search again once the indexing is finished.

Why this matters: Rebuilding the index refreshes the list of files that Windows searches through, fixing errors caused by missing or damaged data.

Step 3: Check Folder Permissions

If Windows Search doesn’t have permission to access certain folders, it won’t include their contents in search results.

To check and fix folder permissions:

1. Navigate to the folder you want to search in File Explorer.
2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab.
4. Make sure your user account is listed under Group or user names.
5. If it’s not, click Edit, then Add your username and grant Read permissions.
6. Click Apply and then OK to save changes.
7. Try searching inside that folder again.

Why this matters: Windows needs permission to access files to include them in search results. Incorrect permissions block access.

Step 4: Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix problems with search.

To run it:

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Choose Troubleshoot from the left menu.
4. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
5. Find and select Search and Indexing, then click Run the troubleshooter.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the issues you are experiencing (e.g., files not appearing in search).
7. Let the troubleshooter complete and apply any fixes it suggests.
8. Test your search function again.

Why this matters: The troubleshooter can find problems you might not notice and fix them automatically.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Reset Search

If the above steps don’t work, you can reset Windows Search completely using a command prompt.

Here’s how:

1. Click on the Start menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type or copy-paste the following command and press Enter:

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

3. Then type:

Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Search -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This command reinstalls the Windows Search feature.

Note: Be careful when running commands with administrator rights. Only use commands from trusted sources.

FAQs

Why does Windows 10 say “No items match your search” even when the file exists?

This usually happens because the search index is outdated or corrupted, or because the search service isn’t running properly.

Can antivirus software affect Windows Search?

Yes, some antivirus programs can block access to folders or interrupt indexing, which can cause search problems.

How long does it take to rebuild the search index?

It depends on how many files you have. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Will resetting Windows Search delete my files?

No, resetting or reinstalling Windows Search only affects the search feature itself, not your personal files.

Is there a way to speed up Windows Search?

Yes. Limiting the locations indexed and excluding large folders you rarely search can speed up indexing and searching.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still see the error, you may consider these options:

• Perform a System File Check: Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as administrator to repair corrupted system files.
• Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted, and a new account may resolve the issue.
• Use Microsoft’s official support: Visit the Microsoft Support website for detailed help.
• Reset Windows: As a last resort, you can reset your Windows 10 installation, which reinstalls the system while keeping or removing personal files.

Conclusion

The “No items match your search” error in Windows 10 is usually caused by indexing issues, service problems, or permission restrictions. By restarting the search service, rebuilding the index, checking permissions, and running the troubleshooter, you can fix most problems.

If needed, advanced options like resetting Windows Search or running system checks can help resolve deeper issues. Always try the simpler solutions first, and remember to back up important files before performing major changes.

With these steps, your Windows search should be back to normal, helping you find your files quickly and easily.