7 Tips to Properly Use Search on Windows 11

Search effectively and find things much quicker

6 min. read

Updated onSeptember 23, 2024

updated onSeptember 23, 2024

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The search functionality has improved significantly in the last couple of iterations. Things are more refined and seamless, allowing users to search for items quicker than ever, but only with the right settings in place. So, how do you search effectively in Windows 11?

Remember, your prime concern shouldn’t be the sought method but the optimal configuration, sayContent Indexing. The technique is more of an individual preference, while the search settings are the primary influencing factors.

How do I search on Windows 11?

Once you have launched the Search menu, enter the search term in the text field, and it will automatically populate the results, with the best match listed at the top. Remember, the best match could comprise more than one entry.

Say you search forControl Panel. The best match, of course, is theControl Panelutility. But you also find a few related settings under it and the option to explore the web using the exact or related search term.

To the right of Windows Search, you may find recent items or other quick options like Open file location, Run as administrator, or Pin to Start, among others.

When more results are under different categories, the Search menu will list the most relevant ones. Say you search for an application, and the PC also has text files or photos with the same name. It will prioritize the results and list them accordingly.

In the Search menu, you can toggle between the different search filters. Enter the term and select a filter from the top to perform a dedicated search. The following search filters are available:

Alternatively, you can include the filter in text form while using Windows Search. Type the filter name followed by a colon (:), and then the search query.

For instance, if you want to find an app, typeapps: App Namein the search field. You can similarly search for files in Windows 11.

You can quickly change the Windows 11 search settings for personalized results. This is all the more important for content moderation.

Besides, if you aren’t pleased with the recent changes by Microsoft,restore the old Search button.

2. In File Explorer

You can also use search operators in File Explorer. To search exclusively for a specific phrase, use double quotes (“) or use the minus sign (-) to exclude specific terms. Besides, search operators likeAND,OR, andNOTcan be employed.

For instance, to search exclusively for PNG files, the phrase becomes“png”. To find both PNG and JPG files, we will use “png” OR “jpg”. If the operators don’t function or the File Explorer search is not working, rebuild the search index or run theSearch and Indexingtroubleshooter.

Besides, you can also useWindows Explorer to search for special characters.

File Types and Indexing Options

Why can’t I find Search in Windows 11?

Remember, to quickly search on Windows 11, you mustenable search indexing. And if there areno web results whenyousearch, reset Windows Search.

In case you encounter reduced battery life or high CPU consumption,disable the search service, and it won’t even significantly affect the core search functionality. For advanced search errors like theerror_no_more_search_handlescheck out our expert article.

For any queries or to share more tips for effective searches, comment below.

7 Tips to Properly Use Search on Windows 11#

How do I search on Windows 11?#

1. With the Search box#

2. In File Explorer#

File Types and Indexing Options#

Why can’t I find Search in Windows 11?#

7 Tips to Properly Use Search on Windows 11

How do I search on Windows 11?

1. With the Search box

2. In File Explorer

File Types and Indexing Options

Why can’t I find Search in Windows 11?