Trying to open a txt file or image from windows search breaks all files

Troubleshooting Windows 10: Resolving Search-Related File Opening Issues

If you’ve encountered a frustrating problem where attempting to open a text document or image via Windows Search leads to persistent loading issues, you’re not alone. Many Windows users have reported that after trying to access certain files from search results, subsequent attempts to open other files—regardless of their location—become unresponsive, with files seemingly stuck loading indefinitely.

Understanding the Problem

This issue typically manifests as follows: when a user searches for a file—be it a text document or an image—and clicks to open it, the file fails to open or takes an exceedingly long time to load. More troublingly, after this initial failed attempt, the system’s ability to open any other files from any location becomes compromised, resulting in files hanging during the opening process. The only temporary fix reported is a complete system restart, after which files open normally, but the problem reoccurs once another search is initiated.

Common Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

This type of behavior commonly points to issues within Windows Search or related system components. Several troubleshooting approaches can help resolve the problem:

1. Reboot the System
   As a temporary workaround, restarting the computer often restores normal functionality. However, this does not address the underlying cause.

2. Run Windows Troubleshooter
   Windows includes built-in troubleshooting tools for identifying and fixing search-related issues. To access this:

3. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

4. Find and run the “Search and Indexing” troubleshooter to detect and resolve potential issues.

5. Perform System File Checker (SFC) Scan
   Corrupted system files can interfere with search and file-opening functions. Running the System File Checker can repair damaged files:

6. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
7. Enter the command: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

8. Wait for the process to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

9. Rebuild the Search Index
   Sometimes, the search index becomes corrupted or outdated. Rebuilding it can restore accurate search results:

10. Go to Control Panel > Indexing Options.
11. Click on “Advanced,” then select “Rebuild.”

12. Allow the process to complete, which may take some time.

13. Update Windows
    Ensuring your system is running the latest updates