How to use Windows 11 Search feature for lost files

Nothing can be more annoying than losing an important file within your computer, especially when you need it the most. Whether you are moving from Windows 10 to 11 or maybe recently cleaned your messy desktop, there are chances that you have lost an important file within the layers of folders. In such cases, Windows 11 Search feature comes as a handy tool which has actually grown fairly powerful over the years and can help you hunt for the lost files. Here’s how to use Windows 11 search feature correctly to save time and find your files quickly.

Windows 11 Search feature TIPS

Clean your Windows Search

You must have noticed that Windows Search shows a large image sourced from the Bing database as well as some other galleries you can explore, or maybe some random games or videos to check. If you want to avoid this spammy content, just simply head to Privacy & security options on your laptop, and then check search permissions. Here, just turn off the “Show search highlights" option. This will exclude spammy content and will show more relevant options.

You need to widen your Search horizons

Did you know, Windows Search only indexes four locations – Documents, Pictures, Music, and the Desktop by default. To avoid that:

• In the search box on the taskbar, type indexing, and then select Indexing Options. Select the Advanced button to view more options, then select the Troubleshoot search and indexing link and follow the steps.
• Some files might be hidden from view. In File Explorer, select View > Show > Hidden items. Then try searching for your files again.
• Look for all files of a certain type using the asterisk (*). For example, to search for all Word documents, search for *.doc. For music files, search for *.mp3.
• Some of your files may have been moved when you upgraded to Windows 11. To check the location of files you find, press and hold (or right-click) the file and select Open file location. Copy any files you want to move to a different location.