File Explorer – Search Hints -

Windows File Explorer Search Tips

Use Windows Search operators and filters to find files faster on indexed file shares.

Searching in Windows File Explorer

We have all encountered the Search box in Windows File Explorer. When Windows Search indexing is configured correctly, File Explorer can return results faster by using an index of file names, properties, metadata, and supported file contents.

XSTRA context: XSTRA often configures Windows Server search indexing for client file server environments. The tips below help users narrow results, find files faster, and get more value from indexed Windows file shares.

Logical Operators

Use these operators to combine, exclude, or precisely match search terms.

Operator	Description	Example	Result
`AND`	All terms must match.	`invoice AND 2023`	Finds files containing both terms.
`OR`	Either term may match.	`pdf OR docx`	Finds PDF or Word documents.
`NOT`	Excludes a term.	`invoice NOT draft`	Finds invoices but excludes drafts.
`>` / `<` / `=`	Compares size, date or other values.	`size:>100MB`	Finds files larger than 100 MB.
`..`	Searches within a range.	`datemodified:01/01/2023..31/01/2023`	Finds files modified in the selected range.
`“ “`	Exact phrase search.	`“project report”`	Finds the exact phrase.
Wildcards	Uses placeholders for unknown characters.	`*.docx`	Finds Word documents.

Built-in Search Filters

Use these filters in the File Explorer search box to narrow results by type, date, size, location, metadata, or content.

Filter	Purpose	Example	Result
`kind:`	Searches by broad file category.	`kind:documents`	Finds document files.
`type:`	Filters by file type or extension.	`type:.pdf`	Finds PDF files.
`size:`	Searches by file size.	`size:>10MB`	Finds files larger than 10 MB.
`datemodified:`	Searches by last modified date.	`datemodified:>01/01/2023`	Finds files modified after that date.
`datecreated:`	Searches by created date.	`datecreated:>2023`	Finds files created after 2023.
`ext:`	Filters by extension.	`ext:.txt`	Finds text files.
`folder:`	Searches by folder name.	`folder:Documents`	Finds files in Documents folders.
`name:`	Searches file names.	`name:invoice`	Finds files with invoice in the name.
`contents:`	Searches supported file contents.	`contents:budget`	Finds files containing budget.
`path:`	Searches a specific path.	`path:“C:\Users\John\Documents”`	Finds files in that path.

Need Advanced Search on a System Not Managed by XSTRA?

If you are working on a system that is not managed by XSTRA, or where Windows Server search indexing is not available, you may wish to try Agent Ransack. It is also available from MajorGeeks.

9.9.6. File Explorer – Search Hints