Overcoming the ‘Can’t Type in Windows Explorer Search Box’ Dilemma- A Comprehensive Guide

Can’t type in Windows Explorer search box? This is a common issue that many Windows users encounter. Whether you’re trying to search for a file or folder, the inability to type in the search box can be frustrating and time-consuming. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this problem and provide you with effective solutions to fix it.

The Windows Explorer search box is a convenient feature that allows users to quickly find files and folders on their computer. However, sometimes it may stop working, and you’ll find yourself unable to type in the search box. There are several reasons why this might happen, and we’ll discuss them below.

One of the most common causes of the “can’t type in Windows Explorer search box” issue is a corrupted search index. The search index is a database that stores information about the files and folders on your computer, which helps the search function to quickly find the files you’re looking for. If the search index becomes corrupted, the search box may stop working.

Another possible cause is a problem with the Windows Search service. This service is responsible for indexing files and folders on your computer, and if it’s not running correctly, the search box may not work as expected.

To fix the “can’t type in Windows Explorer search box” issue, you can try the following solutions:

1. Rebuild the search index: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following command: `regsvr32 /u “C:\Program Files\Windows Search\SearchProtocolHost.dll”`. Then, run the command again with the `/s` switch: `regsvr32 /s “C:\Program Files\Windows Search\SearchProtocolHost.dll”`. This will rebuild the search index and may resolve the issue.

2. Restart the Windows Search service: Open the Services management console by typing `services.msc` in the Run dialog box. Find the Windows Search service, right-click on it, and select “Restart”. This will restart the service and may fix the problem.

3. Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, the issue may be caused by a bug in the Windows operating system. Make sure your computer is up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft.

4. Run the System File Checker: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following command: `sfc /scannow`. This will scan your system files for corruption and attempt to repair them.

5. Perform a clean boot: This will help you determine if a third-party application is causing the issue. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

a. Press “Windows Key + R”, type `msconfig`, and press “Enter”.
b. Go to the “Services” tab, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box, and click “Disable all”.
c. Go to the “Startup” tab, click “Open Task Manager”, and disable all startup items.
d. Restart your computer.

If the issue persists after trying these solutions, it may be due to a hardware problem, such as a faulty keyboard or a corrupted system file. In such cases, you may need to seek professional help or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.