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How to Search for Files in Windows

Even if you forget exactly where a file is saved, Windows search can usually find it in seconds β€” here's how to use it well.

  1. Type a file name or keyword

    Enter the file name, or a word you remember being inside the file, into the search box.

  2. Use search filters to narrow results

    The "Search" tab lets you filter by date modified, file type, and size to narrow down the results when a plain keyword search returns too much.

  3. Search inside file contents, not just names

    Enabling "Always search file names and contents" in Folder Options lets you find files by words inside a document, not just words in the file name.

You do not need to remember the exact location

Digging through folders is slower and more error-prone than using search β€” remembering even a partial file name or a phrase from inside the document is usually enough for Windows to find it for you.

Speed up search results with indexing

Windows Search relies on an index it builds in the background to return results quickly; folders outside that index search more slowly or may not appear at all. If a file you know exists is not showing up, check the search options for an option to also search non-indexed locations, or add that folder to the indexed locations in Indexing Options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Search does not find my file at all.

The folder may not be indexed, which can slow down or block results β€” try turning on "Always search unindexed locations" in the search options.

I only want to search inside one specific folder.

Open that folder first, then type your search term in the search box β€” Windows automatically limits the search to that folder and its subfolders.