M1 Max/13.3.1: Can someone help me understand why searching Finder does absolutely NOTHING..?

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Level 2

260 points

M1 Max/13.3.1: Can someone help me understand why searching Finder does absolutely NOTHING..?

This isn't just a new thing, it's been going on for months and months (in fact, I can't recall the last time it actually worked). When I say "nothing” I mean nothing - no attempt is ever made to actually search. I could be staring at a file, but type its name into the search box and nothing happens.

I have attempted to follow the KB article on reindexing (Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac – Apple Support (UK)) but when get to step 5 nothing happens.

(I realise this concerns Spotlight, but that never shows me any local file results, either, all it does is search the Web.

I have 3 accounts - it's the same across all three, whether in standard or safe mode. Fired up my old 2016 MBP (running Big Sur) and that searches fine.

I'm autistic, suffering from extreme burnout and this is now beginning to do me nut in.

Any help out there...?

MacBook Pro (2021)

Posted on Apr 23, 2023 6:53 PM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

93,636 points

Apr 23, 2023 8:03 PM in response to NoctuaAthene

I'd try this. Same steps as listed in the article but:

Between steps 4 and 5. Wait a few minutes. Look at activity monitor for the spotlight process, it may spike and then get close to zero.

Then, go back and complete step 5.

You should see a blue "index progress bar" in spotlight search but not in finder. (try Command-Space Bar)

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M1 Max/13.3.1: Can someone help me understand why searching Finder does absolutely NOTHING..?

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