Encountering issues where Windows Search fails to locate text within PDF files, despite knowing the term exists? Begin by examining the system's search configuration.
Access the Start menu and input a search query. Then, select the three dots positioned at the far right of the top suggested results area, adjacent to your user profile symbol. Proceed to Indexing Options, choose the Advanced Indexing feature, and press the Advanced button to open an additional dialog window.
Navigate to the File Types section and locate the pdf listing. Verify that it is selected and accompanied by the description 'Reader Search Handler.' Ensure the pdf option is checked, and enable the 'Index properties and file contents' choice below the list. Modify these as needed and approve the changes by selecting OK.
To refresh the Windows Search index, return to the Indexing Options panel and select Advanced. Under the Index Settings tab in the Troubleshooting section, choose the Rebuild option beside 'Delete and rebuild index,' then confirm the prompt with OK. During the recreation process, previously omitted PDF files will be incorporated. Note: This procedure may require hours or up to a full day to complete.
The search capability in Acrobat Reader, like that in other PDF applications, operates separately from Windows Search. Use the Ctrl-F shortcut within Reader to find specific terms in the open document. Additionally, to query multiple PDFs in a directory for a phrase, tap the three dots and opt for Advanced Search.