Windows 10 Explorer Search - default "current folder"

Question

hey folks,

is there a way to set the default preference for the explorer search from "all subfolders" to "current folder"?

In Win7 there was an option in the "folder and search options" and in Win8 there was a RegKey "SearchSubFolders" under Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Search\Preferences.

In Win10 the option is not available and the RegKey has no effect.

Thank you in advance.

Kind regards,

Philipp

Answer 1

The option to change the explorer search from all sub-folders to current folders is not yet applicable in Microsoft.

We encourage you to submit your issue using the Feedback Hub.  You can either vote on an existing submission or submit a new issue. When you submit a feedback item we gather additional details and information about your issue that will help determine what’s causing it and address it. Feedback items regularly receive Microsoft responses on the submissions in the Feedback app so you can see what we are doing about your feedback. Please revisit frequently to see the status of your feedback items.

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1. On a Windows 10 device, search for Feedback Hub in Cortana search, then launch the app.
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Answer 2

The option to change the explorer search from all sub-folders to current folders is not yetapplicablein Microsoft.

............

I think you mean "available" not "applicable". Applicable being: appropriate, suitable, or relevant; which changing the default search view options certainly is. It is certainly relevant to me, as the default being set at "all subfolders" needlessly requires me to scroll through literally hundreds of extra files to locate the precise file that I require for my work.

I have already submitted feedback as noted above, but I thought I would add my thoughts as further prod for the inclusion of this feature that was pointlessly left out of the basic workings of windows 10. Also, because misused words annoy me; most especially when their misuse gives the impression (most probably mistakenly) that you're being dismissive to your customer base.

Answer 3

Thanks for your reply.

This will only change the view of the search content.

And this will not help me :)

I want to change the default search preferences.

The default option for the file location is "all subfolders" and i need this to be "current folder".

Answer 4

Hi Philipp,

If you would like to change the default preference for the File Explorer search, we recommend that you follow these steps:

1. Go to Start.
2. Type File Explorer.
3. Click This PC.
4. Right-click C:
5. Select View located at the top of the address bar.
6. Choose your preferred default view.
7. Click your desired view.
8. Select View > Right-click Options > choose View > click Apply to Folders.

Update us with the outcome so we can provide further assistance.