Almost all users who switched from Windows XP to “Seven” were disappointed by the more meager set of search functions, since, at first glance, the search for programs and files in Windows 7 is not equipped with the usual filters. However, if you know the basic techniques for using the system in order to find the necessary data on the computer, it will not require a significant investment of time and effort, even for novice users. Below are all the main methods on how to quickly find any file or program on a computer with Windows 7.

Using the Start button

You need to do the following:

Note: As you can see from the example above, this same method allows you to find the program, not just the files.

As an example of quickly finding and launching a utility, consider launching the “Console”. You can simply type “cmd” in the same column, and a link to open the “Command Prompt” will appear in the top line.

Using a special search interface "Windows 7"

Of course, the relevance of this method has almost completely disappeared after specialists from Microsoft introduced a search field directly in the start menu, but knowing about its capabilities will be useful for any owner of a computer running a “Seven”.

The following sequential steps are required:

Via Explorer

The algorithm of actions consists of the following stages:

How to configure search parameters

The following steps need to be taken:

Quick search by file type

In the case when the user knows the type of file being searched, you can specify its extension, and only specific types of files will be displayed: images, videos, text, audio, etc.

To perform the operation only among “Word” files, you need to type the extension “*.doc” or “*.docx” in the column. Instead of *, enter characters from the document name. The procedure for Excel is similar, only “*.xls” or “*.xlsx” is used.

Examples for searching images, videos, text and audio files:

*.jpg, *.avi, *.txt, “*.mp3”.

Search by content

In "Seven" there is a convenient opportunity to find required file and according to the text it contains. For example, the user knows that inside the document there are definitely characters printed sequentially and next to each other - “Shovel”.

To identify the location of a file with such a word, you will need to perform the following steps of sequential actions:

Note: the search procedure will now take the user several times longer, so it is recommended to use this filter only when the others do not allow you to obtain a successful result.

Fixing search parameters

Users usually need to use the same search parameters. In Windows 7, there is a convenient option for saving them in order to eliminate the time wasted on re-entering them in the future.

For this purpose, it is enough to specify the necessary parameters once and, having received the result, click “Save conditions”. Next, a menu will be displayed in which you should type the name of the request and click “Save”.

During the next search with similar parameters, the user will only need to enter the “Favorites” section and click on the previously specified name of the request.

Greetings to all readers, site guests and those simply looking for answers to computer questions!

Yesterday I spent quite a lot of time searching for one file that I had on my hard drive. I haven’t used it for a long time, and I completely forgot where it is. And this is where the search came to my rescue. Therefore, I decided in today’s article to describe this topic - how to find a file on a Windows 10 computer. It will be interesting! Go!

Standard search

This way you can find a file by word. There is a magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen. Let's click on it.

Let's say we are looking for some Windows function. We write a piece of its name, and the system itself will provide options for the found components.

If you know in which group or folder the utility or file is located, then click here.

The system will display a list of partitions. You can select one or more sections. Then the search will be more accurate and it will take less time.

And if you only know part of the file name, you can only maintain that part. The system will still find the data if it is on the hard drive.

Search through Explorer

This way you can find a file by word in the text or by creation date. Open any folder and pay attention to this area.

It is in the folder in which you are located that the search will take place. We write the name of the file or folder, and the system will immediately give us the results.

You can apply a filter and search by size.

In principle, you can search by extension in the same way.

Search by date modified or created

Searching by change creation date works almost the same way. Open any folder and enter the modification date in the search bar: dd...mm.yyyy. For example, like in the picture below.

Please note that in this case there will be quite a lot of files.

Addition

Many resort to downloading a program that helps in searching for files. For example, to find a game from the app store. The problem is that Windows 10 is still very crude, and many software of this kind simply do not work on it. Therefore, I advise you to use only the built-in tools of the system.

Otherwise, you may simply clog up the registry. Besides, this software on the new operating system it cannot find data that has not been used for a long time.

Conclusion

Well, these are all the methods that will help you quickly find a file. Windows 10 has everything for this and you don’t need third-party software. By the way, here are videos that will help you understand how and what to do

I would also like to advise you to catalog all your data. Music in one folder, documents in another, and so on. Believe me, it will serve you well.

Well, with this I will say goodbye to you! The article will really be useful to everyone, especially those who have just switched to a new OS. Share it on social portals with acquaintances, colleagues and friends. And also subscribe to update publications, and you will always know when articles appear! All the best to you and see you again!

Searching for files may seem difficult for novice users and take a long time. In this article we will look at all the ways to search for files on your computer.

Important: Search results using the Start menu display not only files; search results will also display system files of the same name. Windows commands. For example, by entering search query“cmd” will result in a command (program) that launches the command line.

Main search window

Explorer window

The next way to search for files is to use any Explorer window. To search for files using Explorer, you must enter a request to the appropriate section of any open window (for example, “My_computer”).

This method is more convenient than others because, using Explorer, you can search for files directly inside the specified (open) sections hard drive(folders) without the need to enter appropriate restrictions using a search filter. What is significant is the process of searching for files.

Search filters

In addition to how you search for files, it's also important how you can narrow your search results to find exactly the file you need. This is done by using special search filters; you can use them by searching for files in the Explorer window. Because the submariner uses the most filters to filter out unnecessary search results.

Search settings

Sometimes the search is unable to find the file of interest, this happens if it is located inside an unindexed partition of the hard drive. This can be fixed if you configure and expand the search parameters. To do this, follow the instructions described below.

Search operators

Operators are symbols/words including Extra options search results filter. In other words, these symbols are used to quickly filter out results, similar to how it is done in Internet search engines (Yandex, Google, Yahoo).

The most popular operators:

• Quotes “” – finds files containing the exact phrase of the search query in the name (for example, “rules of the game”);
• Asterisk * - finds files with the extension specified after the asterisk (for example, *.doc);
• Logical “AND” “AND or +” - finds files containing all the listed words, between which “AND or +” is written. (for example – “rules+game+football”, “rules AND football+game”);
• Comparison relative to the specified file parameters >, 1GB, color depth:
• Exact value = - searches for files equal to the specified parameters (for example, dimensions:>=”800 x 600″);

Reference

If after reading the article you have any questions about searching for files, you can find answers to them in the specially created help section of the operating system. The help menu will open after pressing the F1 key. To obtain information regarding searching for files, enter the search query - “search”.

This way you will find all Windows Help topics related to file search.

Many novice users are interested in how to find a file on a computer. Windows 7 or any other operating system is not that important. The principle of searching for documents on a computer is approximately the same. Especially when it comes to the Windows platform. In general, there are quite a few options for action. They are all very simple. But you will have to not only study them, but also understand some of the features of the search. So how to find file and folders in Windows 7? What does the user need to know about this process? Perhaps, this procedure accessible even to those who are not yet familiar with computers at all.

About search

The first thing you should pay attention to is that search in Windows is carried out, as a rule, without additional software. This is a standard feature found on all operating systems. You don't have to download additional programs to help you search for information on your PC.

How to find a file on your computer? Windows 7 or any other version of the operating system is not so important. You need to understand that the process is extremely simple. It is enough to know the name of the file or folder you want to find. And do not fall for offers on the Internet that supposedly allow you to quickly search for information on your computer. It has already been said - additional programs no need for this!

Location address

How to search for files in Windows 7? As soon as the data reaches the computer, it is assigned a special address. It is through this that information is searched. All documents in the operating system. There is not a single file on the computer without an address.

Typically it consists of the name of the hard drive partition on which the document is located, followed by the path to the desired object. It consists of folders. For example: C:/Windows/system32/drivers/etc/host/.

Accordingly, the “host” document is located in the etc folder, which is placed in drivers. That, in turn, is located in a folder called “system32”, located in Windows on partition hard drive C. If you know the exact location of the document, you can quickly find it. This is why some recommend finding out or file. It can be used in the future. But more on that a little later. First, you should figure out how to find a file on your computer (Windows 7).

Manually

The first method is well suited when either the location of the document is known, or there is simply not the slightest idea of ​​what exactly the search subject is correctly called. It's about about self-detection of a document in the operating system. It’s enough just to study the files and folders on your computer and think about where exactly this or that document might be located. This method is called Extremely Unstable. But if the user has at least an approximate guess about where this or that information may be stored, such a solution can help.

If you know the exact location address, you can simply go to it. On the computer, the user searches for the hard drive partition he needs and the folder in which the document is located. Next comes the opening of the latter. Inside, a specific file is manually searched.

Exact navigation to address

But this is only the first scenario. In practice, it is not often used if the user is not sure of the location of the document. How to find a file on your computer? Windows 7 offers one clever and interesting trick. It will only work when the exact location of the document is known.

It is not at all necessary to manually open all the folders in which the file is attached. If you have an exact location address, you can quickly open the source of the document. To do this, it is best to open "Libraries". Next in address bar copy the file address and press Enter. A folder will open in which this or that document or another folder is attached.

That is, when you need to find a host, you need to copy the inscription “C:/..../etc” into the address bar. Then the etc folder will open, in which you will need to manually find the required document. Nothing difficult or special. But so far we have considered situations in which the address is either known exactly or is known approximately. What to do if there is no such information?

Via "Start"

How to find files on a Windows computer (XP, 7, 8, 10 - it's not that important)? In general, you need to use a standard operating system function. It's called "Search". It is enough to know the name of the document that should be found.

The first way is real quick search- This is using the Start panel. How does an idea come to life with this opportunity? The user must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

1. Click on the "Start" button in the left corner of the screen. A small menu will open.
2. At the bottom of the service there is an empty field with a magnifying glass. On some operating systems, it says “Search programs and files.” You need to click there once with the left mouse button.
3. A slider cursor will appear. In the field you need to enter the name of the file, program or folder.
4. Press Enter and wait for the results.

Nothing more is needed. A few seconds of waiting - and the results will appear on the monitor. Perhaps using "Start" is the most common option. But there are other ways. Searching for files on your computer in Windows 7 is carried out using different methods.

Through additional windows

You can implement your idea within a specific folder. This is not as difficult to do as it seems. Typically, the method helps when the user knows the approximate location of the document.

You must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

1. Open the root folder in which the document may be located.
2. In the upper right corner, find a field with a magnifying glass.
3. Type the address or document name.
4. View the search results.

Using example c, the situation will look like this: the user opens partition of drive C, then in Explorer finds the message “Search: Local disk(C:)". In this field you need to write host and wait until all documents containing this word are found. Next, a specific document is manually searched among the entire list.

Filters

But that's not all. How to quickly find a file on your computer? Windows 7 or any other version of Windows is not so important. At least when it comes to newer types of Windows. You can use one trick. It will help you quickly find what you need among the results. The method is based on the previous method. We are talking about specifying search parameters.

The fact is that if you do not use filters, then often when searching you will have to look through a lot of documents and folders. It’s clear how to find a file on your computer. How to find what you need among the search results?

In this situation it is suggested:

1. Perform a search in a particular folder.
2. Click on the search bar in the upper right corner of the window.
3. Select the required filters and set their parameters. In this case, there is no need to erase the name of the file or folder. For example, you can select the document type. In the case of host, this is .txt.
4. Press Enter and look at the results again.

Accordingly, all documents and files that meet all search parameters will appear on the screen. This is how the implementation of the built-in Windows functions quickly discovering the necessary software.

Search service

Now it’s clear how to find a file on your computer (Windows 7). But there is another option for the development of events. You can call a separate search service on your computer. To do this, you need to press a certain key combination. Then the entire operating system will be scanned and searched.

When using the standard function, you can follow the algorithm:

1. Press Win+F. A window with a bluish background will open. This is the standard Windows search engine.
2. In the search bar (upper right corner, field with a magnifying glass), type the name of the file or folder.
3. The user must press Enter and wait for the results. You can work with search filters in advance. This will reduce the results returned.

By content

There is one more, last trick. It's called "search inside files and folders in Windows 7". Many users are familiar with it. To bring it to life, you need:

1. Open this or that document/folder.
2. Press Ctrl+F.
3. In the field that appears on the right side of the screen, enter the name of the document/folder/word.
4. Click on "Enter".

This method is often used when working with Word. It not only helps you search for data in text, but also helps you search for documents.

The large capacity of modern disks allows you to save many documents or multimedia files. Therefore, without initially subjecting your directories to a certain structuring, you can end up with complete chaos on your hard drive. If this has already happened and you have forgotten the location of any files, it will not be easy to find them without knowing how to use the built-in search of the operating system.

Search by file name

Knowing the name of the document, you will make your task much easier and after a short period of time you will already see the file you are looking for on your computer screen. There are several ways to find it by name in Windows 7.

Via the Start menu

The operating system's Start menu has a search box. To find the required document through this field, you must:

1. Click on the “Start” button.
2. Find the field.
3. Enter the name to be searched.
4. Review the proposed results.

After entering the expected name of the document, you will immediately be shown a list of found files:

In this case, in Windows 7, a document called “Agency” was searched. As you can see from the previous screenshot, the first option offered is the file you are looking for.

How to find it in a folder?

There is another way to find documents. In every directory Windows Explorer 7 there is a corresponding field:

Therefore, knowing the file name and its location, you can:

1. Open the desired folder in Explorer.
2. Enter the name of the document in the field.
3. Get the result.

In this example, the search was conducted using the "Biology" template. As a result, the following files and folders were found:

Knowing the location of the object is not necessary. It simply speeds up the operating system's search for files. Because modern computers have high productivity, long stay necessary information with a known location and with an unknown one there is practically no difference. If you have no idea in which folder or even on which drive the file is saved, you can search throughout your computer:

Additional filters

With common file names, you run the risk of seeing several thousand options, making it difficult to choose the required document. If you know the modification date of the file or its size, you can specify them when searching (by entering a pattern in the field, you will see suggested filters):

You can also scroll down the found list and limit the search range by clicking the “Other” button:

After this click, Windows 7 will display the settings window:

In this window you should:

1. Mark the desired folders to be searched.
2. Confirm your selection with the “OK” button

After these steps, the number of found elements in the list will decrease significantly, so finding the one you need will become much easier.

How to find inside files?

The methods discussed above make it easier to search by name. But what if you don’t know the name? In this case, you should approximately know the text of the document you are looking for. Windows 7 can find files based on their content. This function was not introduced in vain, because it is easier for a computer user to remember what is inside a document than to try to remember its name.

By default, this method of finding files is disabled in the operating system. To enable it, you must:

1. Open "Computer" in Explorer.
2. Press and release the ALT key (this action allows the top horizontal menu, which is normally hidden).
3. Select "Service".
4. Go to the “Folder Options” sub-item.

After clicking on the specified submenu, Windows 7 will display the following window:

In it you should:

1. Go to the “Search” tab.
2. Check the box responsible for scanning the contents of objects;
3. Confirm the changes with the “Apply” button.

The procedure is shown in the following screenshot:

This method significantly slows down finding the desired object, but sometimes it is simply irreplaceable (for example, if several people use the computer). So if you don't want to wait and don't want to waste time scanning inside all documents, you can turn on or off this option at your own discretion. After changing the settings, the file search is carried out in the same way as described above, without any changes.

An example of finding a document by its content

You can find an object using any phrase, but it is especially easy to search for a file with poems. After all, it’s easier to remember a line from a poem than a phrase from an accounting report. However, in the second case, a few of the most frequently occurring words in a document will help you find any report.

For example, you have a document somewhere with Shakespeare's sonnets, and you remember the phrase from one sonnet: "Will you compare me." To find this collection on your computer, you need to:

1. Open “Computer” in Explorer.
2. Go to the desired folder (if known).
3. Enter the phrase you remember in the search field.
4. Get the result.

Any information can be found in this way, provided that it is stored on your disk.