Windows 11 Search Fails in Specific SharePoint Synchronized Folders

Question

Description of the problem

There is an issue with searching for files in Windows Explorer where the search works seamlessly for most folders, but fails in certain folders that are synchronized with SharePoint.

Technical data

The operating system is Windows 11 Enterprise 22H2

Methods of resolution

• Regenerated the search indexing, but the issue persists.
• Attempted sfc /scannow and DISM.exe, but neither resolved the problem.

Answer 1

Hi, I am Henry and I'd like to help.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue where Windows Explorer search works fine in most folders but fails in specific SharePoint-synchronized folders on Windows 11 Enterprise 22H2. Since you've already tried rebuilding the search index and running sfc /scannow and DISM.exe without success, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps that might help:

1. Check OneDrive Sync Settings

• Open OneDrive settings and ensure that SharePoint folders are fully synced.
• Try unlinking and re-linking the affected SharePoint folder in OneDrive.

2. Verify SharePoint Sync Configuration

• Go to SharePoint Online and check if the affected folders are properly configured for syncing.
• If syncing issues persist, follow Microsoft's SharePoint sync troubleshooting guide.

3. Modify Windows Search Indexing Settings

• Open Indexing Options (Control Panel > Indexing Options).
• Click Modify, then ensure that the SharePoint-synced folders are included in the index.
• If they are already included, try removing and re-adding them.

4. Check File and Folder Naming Constraints

• SharePoint has strict rules on file paths and names. Ensure:
  • File paths are under 400 characters.
  • No special characters (<, >, :, ", |, ?, *, /, ) are used in file names.

5. Test Search in Another User Profile

• Create a new local user account and test if the search works there.
• If it does, the issue may be related to your user profile settings.

6. Try Searching via SharePoint Online

• Instead of using Windows Explorer, try searching directly in SharePoint Online to see if the issue is specific to local sync.

Let me know if any of these solutions work for you.