How to Search for Files in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to search and find files and folders, including documents, in Windows 11.

Windows 11 has a built-in search feature that allows you to search for documents from a particular folder or the entire PC. It also can search the web for keywords if you use the quick search on the Taskbar. Over time, there will be documents you’ll create and save, and sometimes, you have to search for a few that are missing or not readily available.

When you need to search for files, folders, and other documents, there’s a place to go. The steps below will show you how to do it. You can search Windows 11 from the Taskbar for help, apps, files, settings—you name it, and on the web.

To get started finding files, folders, and documents in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

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 also narrow your search from File Explorer. When you search in File Explorer, your search results are confirmed to the PC, not 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 quickly locate files and documents.
• 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.