File search in Windows 10 is an essential feature, just like any other operating system. With the increase in the size of hard drives and the amount of data we store on our computers, finding the right file can become a tedious and time-consuming task.

Luckily, Windows 10 comes with a built-in search feature that helps you find your files quickly. However, the built-in search feature has limitations and may not be enough for some users.

Therefore, with the help of powerful third-party search tools like Everything Search, you can easily locate any file on your computer within seconds. In this blog post, we will provide you with tips for optimizing your file search in Windows 10 with Everything Search.

So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Tip 1: Learn The Search Syntax

Everything Search uses a unique syntax that allows you to refine your searches and find files quickly. The syntax is straightforward and easy to learn. 

Here are some of the most commonly used search syntaxes:

• Use a space to separate search terms. For example, if you want to find all the files that contain the words “Anytxt” and “Searcher,” you can type “Anytxt Searcher” in the search bar.
• When searching for an exact phrase, use quotation marks. For example, if you want to find all the files that contain the phrase “Anytxt Searcher,” you can type “Anytxt Searcher” in the search bar.

• Use a minus sign to exclude a term from the search results. For example, if you want to find all the files that contain the word “Anytxt” but not the word “Searcher,” you can type “Anytxt -Searcher” in the search bar.

Use Of Boolean Operators

 If you are looking for a file that contains specific keywords or phrases, you can use Boolean operators to create more complex search queries. For example, you can use the “AND” operator to search for files containing multiple keywords or phrases or the “OR” operator to search for files containing either one or the other keyword or phrase.

To use Boolean operators in Everything Search, simply enter your search query into the search bar and use the appropriate operator between your keywords or phrases. 

• Use the “AND” operator to combine search terms. For example, if you are looking for files that contain both “report” and “sales,” you would enter “report sales” into the search bar. You do not need to type “report AND sales” because AND is the default operator of the Everything Search. 
• Further, use the “OR” operator to combine search terms. For example, if you want to find all the files that contain the word “marketing” or the word “report,” you can type “marketing | report” in the search bar.

• Use the “!” operators to exclude something from the search. For example, if you want to search files that contain everything except “marketing”, you can type “!marketing” in the search bar.

Tip 2: Customize Your Settings or Use Filters To Narrow Down Your Search

Everything Search allows you to customize your search settings to improve your search results. For example, you can choose which file types to include or exclude from your search results, set the maximum number of search results to display, and more.

To customize your search settings in Everything Search, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Options.” From there, you can adjust your search settings to suit your needs.

In addition to the search settings, Everything Search allows you to use filters to narrow down your search results. For example, you can filter your search results by file type, date modified, size, and more. This can be particularly helpful when you are looking for a specific type of file, such as a document or a photo.

To use filters in Everything Search, simply click on the “Filters” button in the search bar and select the filter that you want to apply. You can also use multiple filters to refine your search results further.

Tip 3: Use Shortcuts To Save Time

In the world of computing, every second counts, and using shortcuts can help you save valuable time while searching for files on your Windows 10 computer. Everything Search provides several keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate the search tool more efficiently. 

For instance, by using the “/” key, you can quickly enter a new search query without having to click on the search bar. Additionally, you can use the “+” key to add a new search tab, which can be helpful if you need to search for multiple files at once. Closing search tabs is also easy with the “–” key.

Further, here are some of the other commonly used keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl + Enter – opens the selected file or folder.
• Ctrl + Shift + Enter – opens the selected file or folder as an administrator.
• Ctrl + F – focuses on the search bar.
• F3 – opens the search results in a new window.
• Ctrl + A – selects all the search results.
• Ctrl + C – copies the selected search results.

These shortcuts are not only intuitive but can be easily memorized, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively. By incorporating these shortcuts into your workflow, you can reduce the amount of time spent searching for files and focus on other essential tasks. 

Tip 4: Index Your Files

Indexing your files can significantly speed up your file search in Windows 10 with Everything Search. Everything Search can index your files and create a searchable database that allows you to find your files quickly. 

To index your files, 

• Click on the “Tools” menu, and select “Options.” 
• From here, click on the “Indexes” tab, and select the folders that you want to index. 

• Everything Search will start indexing your files, and you can monitor the progress in the “Status” section. 
• Once the indexing is complete, you can search for your files and get instant results.

Tip 5: Keep Everything Search Running In The Background

To improve your file search experience in Windows 10, it is a good idea to keep Everything Search running in the background. This allows you to quickly access the search tool whenever you need it without waiting for it to load.

To keep Everything Search running in the background, simply minimize the program window or enable the “Run Everything on system startup” option in the settings.

The Bottom Line

If you are tired of sifting through countless files on your Windows 10 computer, Everything Search can help you optimize your file search experience. Everything Search is a powerful search tool that can save you time and increase productivity. 

However, if you want to try an alternative to Everything Search by file content, the “Anytxt Searcher” is a great option. It offers similar features, such as fast and accurate file search, advanced filters, and integration with other apps. Apart from its ability to search for files by name, the Anytxt Searcher stands out from the Everything search by also being capable of searching through file content, making it a more comprehensive and efficient search tool.

In short, whether you use Everything Search or Anytxt Searcher, optimizing your file search on Windows 10 saves time and reduces stress. 

So try these tips today to take full advantage of Everything Search’s capabilities and streamline your file search process. Say goodbye to endless scrolling and searching, and hello to a more efficient and effective file search experience!