File search tools find documents instantly. Locate files by name, type, or content with powerful and fast search utilities.
File search tool helps you find lost things fast so you do not dig through every folder by hand. It looks at names, types, dates, sizes, and even words inside files. This saves time and stops stress when a task is urgent. You can start with a simple word, then add filters to narrow the list. Clear results show the path so you can open, copy, or delete with confidence. With a few smart steps, the right file appears when you need it most.
It checks the places you choose and compares each file to your rules. First it matches the name or part of the name. Then it looks at details like kind of file, the date it was changed, and how large it is. If you turn on content search, it also scans the words inside text and some documents. You can include or skip folders to go faster. When the scan ends, you see a clean list you can sort, preview, and open in one click.
Yes, content search reads words inside many files like notes, code, and web pages. Turn it on when you remember a rare phrase or a line you wrote. Start with one or two unique words to keep the list short. If there are too many results, add the file type or date. For large folders, limit the scan to the places most likely to hold the file. This keeps the search quick while still finding what you need.
Name only is usually fastest because it does not open files to read their content. Searching names plus details is still quick on small folders. Content search is slower since it looks inside files. To speed up any mode, exclude backup or media folders, and set a short date range. Save common searches as presets so you can run them again with one click and get quick, repeatable results.
Use simple, steady names like project, date, and version so future searches work well. Keep files in clear folders for each topic, and avoid deep nesting. Delete true duplicates and archive old items to a single place. Write short notes in file names when allowed, such as draft or final. These habits make every search easier because the tool can match clear words and show tidy results that you trust.
Check spelling and try a shorter word. Remove extra filters like type or date to widen the search. Make sure the right folders are included and that hidden items are allowed when needed. If the file was moved or renamed, search by size or by a rare word from inside it. As a last step, look in the recycle bin or an old backup. One small change often reveals the file you were missing.
A file search tool finds files fast by name, type, or content. You can filter by size, date, and folder, and preview hits without opening apps. With saved searches and smart indexes, it works like a desktop search engine, so you spend less time hunting and more time doing real work.
Use filters for file type, modified date, and size first. Add a path filter to limit the search to a project folder. For text, match whole words and pick the right encoding. These file search settings cut noise, surface key documents, and speed up audits, code reviews, and legal discovery.
Open the Saved searches page and click New. Name the query, pick filters, and choose a shortcut key if supported. Shared teams can save to a workspace so others can run the same search later. This keeps file search fast and consistent across audits, content updates, and weekly reports.
For stable archives, reindex monthly. For active code repos or media folders, schedule daily or real‑time indexing. Rebuild the index after big moves or renames. A fresh index makes file search instant, reduces CPU during queries, and keeps results accurate for teams that share drives.
Turn on content search, pick file types like PDF, DOCX, or code, and enter a phrase. Use quotes for exact matches and AND/OR to combine words. The preview shows snippets with hits highlighted. From there, open the file at the right page or line. This is handy for audits and bug fixes.
Indexed search is fastest for big drives and shared folders, because the tool reads the index, not every file. Live search scans on the fly and is best for small folders or fresh changes. Many teams use both: index home folders and run live checks in temp or download folders when needed.