To search for a file or folder

A file is an item that contains information—for example, text or images or music. When opened, a file can look very much like a text document or a picture that you might find on someone's desk or in a filing cabinet. On your computer, files are represented with icons; this makes it easy to recognize a type of file by looking at its icon.

 A file is an item that contains information—for example, text or images or music. When opened, a file can look very much like a text document or a picture that you might find on someone's desk or in a filing cabinet. On your computer, files are represented with icons; this makes it easy to recognize a type of file by looking at its icon.

 A folder is a container you can use to store files in. If you had thousands of paper files on your desk, it would be nearly impossible to find any particular file when you needed it. That's why people often store paper files in folders inside a filing cabinet. On your computer, folders work the same way. Here are some typical folder icons.

Folders can also store other folders. A folder within a folder is usually called a subfolder. You can create any number of subfolders, and each can hold any number of files and additional subfolders.

Windows provides several ways to find files and folders. There isn't one best way to search—you can use different methods for different situations.

To find a program or file by using the search box on the Start menu

You can use the search box on the Start menu to find files, folders, programs, and e‑mail messages stored on your computer.

To find an item using the Start menu:

Click the Start button, and then type a word or part of a word in the search box.

As you type, items that match your text will appear on the Start menu. The search is based on text in the file name, text in the file, tags, and other file properties.

Note

·         When searching from the Start menu, only files that have been indexed will appear in search results. Most files on your computer are indexed automatically. For example, anything you include in a library is automatically indexed. For more information about the index, see Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions.

To find a file or folder by using the search box in a folder or library

You're often likely to be looking for a file that you know is in a particular folder or library, such as Documents or Pictures. Browsing for the file might mean looking through hundreds of files and subfolders. To save time and effort, use the search box at the top of the open window.

The search box in a folder or library

The search box is located at the top of every library. It filters the current view based on text that you type. The search looks for text in the file name and contents; and in the file properties, such as in tags. In a library, the search includes all folders included in the library as well as subfolders within those folders.

To search for a file or folder by using the search box:

·         Type a word or part of a word in the search box.

·         As you type, the contents of the folder or library are filtered to reflect each successive character you type. When you see the file that you want, stop typing.

For example, suppose your Documents library looks like this:

Now, suppose that you're looking for your invoice files, so you type "invoice" in the search box. As you type, the view is automatically filtered and you see something like this:

                                                                 

TO FIND A FILE BY USING SEARCH FILTERS

If you're searching for a file based on one or more of its properties (such as a tag or the date the file was last modified), you can use search filters to specify the property in your search.

In a library or folder, click in the search box, and then click the appropriate search filter below the search box. (For example, to search the Music library for songs by a particular artist, click the Artists search filter.)

Depending on which search filter you click, choose a value. For example, if you click the Artists search filter, click an artist from the list.

You can repeat these steps to build complex searches on multiple properties. Each time that you click a search filter or value, terms are automatically added to the search box.

 To expand a search beyond a specific library or folder

If you can't find what you're looking for in a specific library or folder, you can expand the search to include different locations.

·         Type a word in the search box.

·         Scroll to the bottom of the list of search results. Under Search again in, do one of the following:

o        Click Libraries to search across every library.

o        Click Computer to search across your entire computer. This is the way to search for files that aren't indexed (such as system or program files). However, be aware that the search will be slower.

o        Click Custom to search specific locations.

o        Click Internet to search online, using your default web browser and your default search provider.