To search folders in File Explorer, use the search box located in the top-right corner of the File Explorer window.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Open File Explorer: You can do this by clicking the File Explorer icon on your taskbar, pressing the Windows key + E, or searching for "File Explorer" in the Start Menu.
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Navigate to the Folder You Want to Search: Click through the folders in the left-hand navigation pane, or use the address bar at the top to go to the directory you want to search within.
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Use the Search Box: In the top-right corner of the File Explorer window, you'll find a search box. Click inside this box. When you do this, the "Search" tab will appear in the ribbon at the top.
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Type Your Search Term: Enter the file name, part of a file name, or any text you think might be contained within the files you are looking for.
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Press Enter: File Explorer will then search within the currently selected folder and all of its subfolders.
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Refine Your Search (Optional): The "Search" tab offers various options for refining your search. You can filter by:
- Date Modified: Find files modified within a specific date range.
- Size: Search for files larger or smaller than a certain size.
- File Type: Limit your search to specific file types (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .jpg).
- Other Properties: Depending on the file type, you might be able to search by other properties like author, tags, or title.
Important Considerations:
- Indexing: Windows uses an indexing service to speed up searches. If your search is slow, make sure the folder you're searching is included in the indexing options. You can access indexing options by searching for "Indexing Options" in the Start Menu.
- Hidden Files and Folders: If you are not finding what you expect, make sure "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" is enabled in File Explorer's View settings.
- Search Syntax: You can use more advanced search syntax (e.g., wildcards like
*.txtto find all text files) within the search box.
