The first way to find files and folders is using the search engine from the start menu, or from the taskbar. If we have not hidden it, in Windows 10, next to the start button, we will have a search box where we can write what we want to search for it, both on the PC and on the Internet. Just write a term in it to automatically see the results. We can find configuration options, programs, files, folders… whatever we want. It uses the indexer at 100%, so if something is not indexed it will not appear and we will have to go to the next search method.
We can choose the type of element we want to search using the tabs at the top, or see, in the main one, a summary with all the elements found.
In Windows 11, the search engine is very similar, although with an appearance more adapted to the operating system. We can search for what we want from the search box, or by opening the start menu and typing inside. The results will appear instantly.
Search from explorer
In addition to the universal search engine that we can find on the taskbar and in the start menu, Windows also has a file browser in the explorer itself. To use it, the first thing we do is open the aforementioned File Explorer. We can do it from the personal folder icon, from “This computer”, or, why not, using the key combination Win + E. Next, if we take a look at the upper right part of the window that appears, we locate what we are looking for in this case.
From here we have the possibility to easily search for any file, although despite this, sometimes we do not obtain the desired results. This is due, to a large extent, to the fact that the search is too literal, based on the name, and we do not have (at least, at the beginning) filters or some type of tool that facilitates these searches. Of course, although at first this search engine may seem very basic, it actually hides great potential.
When we perform a search, in Windows 10 we can see how a new tab appears within the Ribbon bar at the top of the search engine. From it we will be able to find the different search options offered by the explorer. For example, we can filter by date, type, size or other properties. Also narrow the search, see a history with past searches or, an option that has been lost in Windows 11, being able to save a search to return to it at a later time.
In the case of Windows 11, having changed and renewed the search engine, the search options have been quite limited. When we perform a search, the first thing we will see is a dropdown with some of the most relevant search results.
In addition, in the toolbar we will find a new button called “Search options” that will allow us to refine the results a bit. For example, we can choose where to search (for example, if we only want to search in the root of a folder, or in subfolders), as well as in compressed files, in the content of the files (for example, if it is a text), and even filter by date, size, or file type.
Windows can’t find any files
If, no matter how hard we try, we cannot get Windows to find any of the files we are looking for, it is most likely that the index that is created and updated every time we copy or create a new document in Windows has been corrupted and is not accessible by Windows. Windows creates a reference index with the location and name of all the files available on the computer, in this way, when we have to perform a search, it only has to consult the index and not search the entire computer, a process that can take many hours depending on the number of files we have on the computer.
To rebuild the index, we used the Indexing Options application available through the Windows search box. Next, click on Advanced Options and then, in the section Troubleshootingclick on Rebuild.
program to find files
In addition to using the search engine that Windows offers us, we will also be able to search for all kinds of files on the PC, in a simpler and more customizable way, thanks to the many programs that exist for this purpose. The files that we show you below make use of the file index that Windows automatically generates when we copy or create a new file on the computer, however, the main advantage it offers us compared to the Windows solution is that they include a large number of functions that allows us to filter the results to the maximum.
SearchMyFiles
SearchMyFiles is a tool created by Nirsoft that allows us to easily search for files on our hard drives. Although its interface is not exactly one of the most well-cared for, this is one of the most complete and customizable tools that we can find to search for files on our computer. With it we will be able to easily search for system files in different ways such as last modification/creation/last access time, by file attributes, by file content and by size. The searches we perform will be very precise and select one or more files and save the list in an HTML/CSV/XML file or save it to the Windows clipboard.
By using this application we can exclude hidden folders and system directories from the search that we are going to carry out. It can become our perfect ally to find duplicate files. And it is that the program can quickly scan the specified folders or drives and display a list of duplicate entries. We can then take action and remove the duplicates to free up hard drive space.
In the Search options We will be able to choose a large number of options. For example, we will be able to choose between standard search or other types of files (duplicate, non-duplicate files, with the same name, etc.), in addition to choosing the folders where we want to search, folders to exclude, formats, extensions, attributes, sizes, dates… a large number of customization options to refine the search to the maximum.
When we have customized the search on our computer, the next step will be to click on «start search» and wait for the search for the files to finish. When it is finished, we will be able to see in the other window the results that match our search.
One of the latest innovations that Nirsoft has introduced in SearchMyFiles is the ability to also search for matches within the text of the documents. We can activate this from the option «File Contains > Text» and thus, instead of searching by name or other matches, we can search by document content.
Once we have the list of search results, we only have to locate the exact file we are looking for to interact with it. If we right-click we can see a series of options that allow us to work with this file. For example, we will be able to delete files directly from here, change their name, open them and even go to the folder where they are saved.
We can download this file browser for free from the . As the application is portable, in addition, we do not have to install anything on the PC.
everything
It is a file browser for Windows, completely free and portable, capable of finding all types of files on the hard drive or SSD. It works very fast and allows us to filter the results obtained, as well as update all the changes made in real time. It should also be noted that it includes an HTTP server, through which we will be able to carry out remote searches from the Internet or other computers on a local network.
Among the main features of this program we can highlight:
- Very small: the executable occupies just over 2 MB and consumes hardly any RAM.
- Very simple interface to use, without complications.
- File indexing for instant results.
- Makes sharing files easy.
- The results are updated in real time.
Once the program has been downloaded, we can install it (if we have downloaded the installer) or unzip it (if we have downloaded the portable one) to start working with it. When executing it, we can see a window like the following.
We simply have to write the term we want to search for in the bar at the top. For example, if we search for “Document” we can see the personal directories of documents, shortcuts and files that have that name.
In the “Search” menu, at the top, we are going to find filters so that we can easily refine the searches to reduce the number of results and find what we are looking for sooner.
We even have a “Bookmarks” section where we can add a series of previous searches to quickly return to them at any time. A program, as we can see, as complete as it is simple, to search for and find what we need.
We can from their website.
WizFile
This powerful search engine allows us to quickly find any file on our computer since it works with file indexing. Among its features it is worth noting that it allows you to carry out personalized searches, classify them by name, size or date and it supports both hard drives and network resources. Its fast scanning is done by reading the Master File Table (MFT) directly from NTFS-formatted hard drives and does not require a separate database file, as all file data is stored in memory.
We can choose if we want to install this program on the PC, or use the portable version that does not require installation. When we run it, we find a window like the following.
As we can see, the interface of this program is very easy to use. At the top we have the search box, while the bottom is reserved for the results. We can write the term we want to find, as well as select some of the filters that come to us, such as file type, size or date. And choose where we want to search. And ready. We will instantly see the results.
from their official website. For personal use, the software is totally free.
listary
Listary is yet another alternative with which to search for files in Windows. This program will allow us to search the entire hard drive for the files we want or need. We can quickly see the results and open the file or launch the program that we want. In addition, it allows us to easily copy and move files between directories, and it also integrates into other programs, such as Total Commander, Directory Opus, XYplorer, Xplorer2, WinRAR, FileZilla, and more.
Once the program is installed, we can invoke it at any time, and from any program, by pressing the left Control key on the keyboard twice in a row. We will be able to see a search box where we will write what we want to search to find it at the moment.
Within the options panel…