diff --git a/custom_file_dialog/cfd_search_manager.py b/custom_file_dialog/cfd_search_manager.py
index a35a539..3e6e25e 100644
--- a/custom_file_dialog/cfd_search_manager.py
+++ b/custom_file_dialog/cfd_search_manager.py
@@ -35,7 +35,8 @@ class SearchManager:
         """
         Activates the search entry or cancels an ongoing search.
 
-        If a search is running, it cancels it. Otherwise, it executes a new search.
+        If a search is running, it cancels it. Otherwise, it executes a new search
+        only if there is a search term present.
         """
         if self.dialog.widget_manager.search_animation.running:
             if self.dialog.search_thread and self.dialog.search_thread.is_alive():
@@ -44,7 +45,9 @@ class SearchManager:
                 self.dialog.widget_manager.search_status_label.config(
                     text=LocaleStrings.UI["cancel_search"])
         else:
-            self.execute_search()
+            # Only execute search if there is text in the entry
+            if self.dialog.widget_manager.filename_entry.get().strip():
+                self.execute_search()
 
     def show_search_bar(self, event: tk.Event) -> None:
         """