How do I fix search not producing results on iMac M3 macOS Sonoma 14.1?

AJS2024 wrote:

hello please help I have a problem with IMAC M3 OS sonoma 14.1 search file does not produce any search results

Maybe there are tips to solve it a

[Re-Titled By Moderator]

Mac OS Sonoma 14.1 ?

That version was released Oct 25, 2023 - about 18 months ago

There have been about 15 to 16 updates of Sonoma since October 2023 and current Sonoma 14.7.4 release February 10, 2025

Also, this machine Qualifies to run macOS 15 Sequoia the next newer version of macOS

How to upgrade to macOS Sequoia

Keep your Mac up to date

Apple security releases

Always make a Time Machine Backup  before doing any upDates / upGrades

Search for anything with Spotlight on Mac - Apple Support especially the link to Narrow your search results.

Spotlight searches on the Mac are based on what has been indexed by Spotlight and the categories of Spotlight Search Results that you have selected. System Settings > Spotlight > Search Results.

Hopefully, your profile is outdated and you have already updated to Sonoma 14.7.4, but if not, visit System Settings > General > Software Update. Below the Sequoia entry, you will see Another update is available with a link and that will be the most recent Sonoma update that you can apply. It will not install Sequoia.

If you One and Only concern is the least than good Search functionality, the follow the advise from @Viking OSX

If in the broader and complete picture of Security and Bug Fixes in Sonoma 14.1

Update the computer

Apple security releases

As for " Can applications that have been installed, such as design programs, still be used? "

I could not possible answer that too general of a question

Third Party Developers of this Design Programs have had plenty of time Before Sonoma was even released to Test Their Software

Most Reputable Third Party Developers will continue to Test Their Software and actually should be always Testing Their Software against newer update versions of Sonoma

By the same token, the Developer should be testing against macOS 15 Sequoia in order to remain current and up to date