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sinra
sinra
Inspiring
February 26, 2026
Question

Finding files in InDesign "Place" window search bar stopped working

  • February 26, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 49 views

Some time ago file search within main/subfolders stopped working when placing images.
InDesign versions 20.5.2. and 21.2.
Windows 11 Pro.
It is possible that some of the Window updates broke it.

    5 replies

    sophia057loy
    sophia057loy
    Participant
    February 27, 2026

    This issue is almost certainly caused by a breakdown in the Windows Search Index following a system update. Since InDesign’s "Place" window is essentially a portal to your Windows File Explorer, it fails to find results if the index is corrupted or the folders aren't being tracked. To fix it, search your Start menu for Indexing Options, click Advanced, and select Rebuild to refresh the database. In the meantime, the most reliable "human" workaround is to simply drag and drop kdealer files directly from an open folder on your desktop into InDesign, which bypasses the glitchy search bar entirely. 

    sinra
    sinraAuthor
    Inspiring
    February 27, 2026

    Searching outside of InDesign works fine. And in InDesign, if “All Files” is selected (no filter), it works fine (see my reply to Abhishek).
    But any filter, including the default(?) “Importable Files”, doesn’t seem to initiate the search process in my case. However these filters works fine if I switch to “All Files” and back, and don't reset search window field.

     

    Mike Witherell
    Community Expert
    Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 26, 2026

    In Windows 11, you may have to visit Privacy & Security > Search and click around in the part about Searching. Windows will only search index the parts of the computer that you specify.

     

    When I started looking, I found my windows 11 overloaded with strange include-this but exclude-that entries. So I opted to rebuild the index and limit it to just my E-drive where my working project asset files live.

    Mike Witherell
    Abhishek Rao
    Community Manager
    Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    February 26, 2026

    Hi ​@sinra,

     

    I hope that expert questions help us narrow this down. Adding to it, when you open the Place dialog, are you applying a file type filter first and then using the search bar, or does the issue happen even without any filtering? Please let me know exactly how you’re searching and what result you see.

    If possible, a short screen recording showing the full workflow from opening the Place dialog to performing the search would really help me understand the behavior and take this further if needed.

    Additionally, if you’re using any third-party file manager or extensions, please try starting Windows in Safe Mode and test the search there to rule out any external interference. You can follow this guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234

     

    Looking forward to your update.

    Abhishek

      sinra
      sinraAuthor
      Inspiring
      February 26, 2026

      Thanks to ​@Abhishek Rao for the tip.
      I don't remember if I myself have switched the Placed file type from "All files" to "Importable files" at some point, or "Importable files" is the default setting of ID 20.5, which has also "migrated" to ID 21. With the selected "All files" type, everything works as it should.

      But with the "Importable files" mask something weird is going on. 1) nothing happens if I start search initially or after search field cleared with “x”. 2) But if I switch filter to “All files”, searching some files (without placing) and then switch filter back to “Importable files”, search works fine.

      P.S. IDs and Win has the all latest updates.

       

      Abhishek Rao
      Community Manager
      Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
      Community Manager
      February 27, 2026

      Hello ​@sinra,

       

      Thank you for the all the details. I’ve attached a short screen recording from my end. In my testing, it works as expected under both “Imported Files” and “All Files”.

      Could you please share a screen recording from your side so I can better understand what’s happening there and compare the behavior?

       

      Looking forward to your update.

      Abhishek

      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 26, 2026

      I think someone else posted about this a while back. It’s not an issue for me here so make sure that Windows is fully updated to 25H2 with all optional updates.

        Mike Witherell
        Community Expert
        Mike WitherellCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        February 26, 2026

        What is your latest Window Update installed?

        Mike Witherell
          sinra
          sinraAuthor
          Inspiring
          February 27, 2026

          Since I was going to move to ID 21 I didn't pay attention to when the problem appeared because I don't use search too often.
          I suspect it could be the .NET 8.0.23 update in January.
          P.S. Without filters (selecting "All Files") everything works ok. 

           

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