How to Search for Files in Windows 11

This article explains how to efficiently search for files and documents in Windows 11 using the built-in search feature. Users can utilize the Taskbar for quick searches, accessing both local and web results, or opt for File Explorer for a focused search limited to local drives. Organizing files and using keywords optimizes search effectiveness.

This article describes how to search for and locate files and folders, including documents, in Windows 11.

Windows 11 includes a built-in search feature that enables you to look for documents within a specific folder or throughout your entire PC. It also allows you to search the web for keywords using the quick search option on the Taskbar.

As you create and save various documents over time, you may find yourself needing to search for those that are missing or not easily accessible.

When you need to search for files, folders, and documents, there’s a simple way to do it. You can use the Taskbar in Windows 11 to search for help, apps, files, settings, and even information on the web.

How to search for documents in Windows 11

The quickest way to search for files, folders, and documents in Windows 11 is from the search box on the Taskbar. To get search results from your PC and the web, tap or click the Search icon on the Taskbar and type what you’re looking for in the search box.

Please type the name of a document (or a keyword from it) into the search box on the Taskbar. You’ll see document results across your PC and OneDrive under Best match.

How to search in Windows 11 from File Explorer

You can narrow your search directly in File Explorer. When you search here, the results will only show files on your PC, excluding the web and other locations.

Open File Explorer from the Taskbar or right-click on the Start menu, choose File Explorer, then select a location from the left pane to search or browse.

For example, select This PC to look at all devices and drives on your computer, or select Documents to look only for files stored there.

The search methods above will return files and documents saved on your hard drives that match or have any keywords you typed.

This should do it.

Conclusion:

  • Windows 11 provides an efficient search feature, allowing users to locate files and documents quickly.
  • The Taskbar search is quick and gives access to your PC and web results.
  • File Explorer offers a more focused search option, limiting results to files stored on your local drives.
  • Following the outlined steps allows users to save time and streamline their file searching experience.
  • Regularly organizing files and using specific keywords can enhance the effectiveness of your searches in Windows 11.
Richard Avatar

Comments

4 responses to “How to Search for Files in Windows 11”

  1. Kiki Myers Avatar
    Kiki Myers

    I am looking for documents that I have saved on this computer. For some reason Windows 11 was downloaded without my knowledge or request. The documents that I have saved are EXTREMELY important to me. PLEASE explain (in plain English) how I go about getting to my saved folders. I am not tech-know savy and this situation is EXTREMELY frustrating.

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