Finder content search only displays files after being opened

In Finder, when searching a file contain a certain word, for example, "Floor" in any format file (pdf, word, excel, or even the text file created by the TextEdit.

The Finder only shows those files I have click and opened and read before.

Attached the screenshots. There is file named "Floor1" with text content "Floor1".

But In Finder search, there is not file in result.


After I click and open the text file, search again. This file will be shown in search result.


Actually, there are 2 files containing "Floor" in both filename and content



This create a problem. When I search files in folders, the search result does not show all matched files.


Please advise how to resolve this. Thanks!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 2:39 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 3:57 AM

I cannot reproduce the issue.

It may be some problem with Spotlight, or maybe a Finder issue (but I am leaning on the former).


System Settings->Spotlight, click "Search Privacy", drag your drive there, and confirm. Then select it and press "-". This will force Spotlight to reindex the drive.

2 replies

Finder content search only displays files after being opened

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