Searching for a specific file type in Windows 10 can be a breeze if you know the right steps. The process involves using a few easy-to-remember commands in the File Explorer search bar to quickly find exactly what you’re looking for. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to locate any file type on your Windows 10 computer in no time.
How to Search for a Specific File Type in Windows 10
When you want to find a specific file type—be it a PDF, JPG, or DOCX—Windows 10 makes it pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or press the Windows key + E. This will open a new File Explorer window where you can start your search.
File Explorer is where all of your files and folders are managed. It’s the hub for finding anything stored on your computer.
Step 2: Navigate to the Folder
Go to the folder where you want to search. If you’re not sure where the file is, you can start from ‘This PC’ to search across your entire computer.
The closer you get to the location of your file, the faster your search will be. This step helps narrow down the search area, making it more efficient.
Step 3: Use the Search Bar
Click on the search bar located at the upper right corner of File Explorer. Type an asterisk () followed by the file extension (e.g., .pdf for PDF files).
The asterisk acts as a wildcard character, allowing you to search for all files with the specified extension within the selected folder.
Step 4: Press Enter
Hit the Enter key on your keyboard. This will initiate the search based on your specified file type.
Once you press Enter, File Explorer starts scanning the folder (and its subfolders) for files that match your search criteria.
Step 5: Review Search Results
Browse through the search results that appear. You can sort them by name, date modified, size, and more to find the exact file you need.
If there are too many results, you can use additional filters to narrow them down. Sorting helps in quickly locating the desired file among the search results.
Now that you’ve completed the action, you should easily find the specific file type you were looking for. The search function in Windows 10 is powerful, making it much quicker to find files than manually sifting through folders.
Tips for Searching for a Specific File Type in Windows 10
- Use File Explorer’s Advanced Search options like date modified, size, and file properties to refine your search.
- Save frequently used searches so you can quickly run them again in the future.
- Use the built-in search filters in the Search Tools tab to further narrow down results.
- Consider using third-party search tools like Everything or Agent Ransack for even faster searches.
- Learn the search syntax such as “kind:”, “date:”, and “size:” to enhance your search queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for multiple file types at once?
You can search for multiple file types by separating them with "OR" in the search bar. For example, .pdf OR .docx.
Does Windows 10 search within file contents?
Yes, Windows 10 can search within the contents of files if you enable content indexing in the search options.
How can I search only specific folders?
Navigate to the specific folder before you start your search. You can also set the folder as the default search location.
Can I exclude certain file types from my search?
Yes, you can use a minus sign (-) to exclude file types. For example, .pdf –.old to exclude old PDF versions.
How do I search by file size?
Include “size:” followed by a size specification in your search query, like size:>1MB for files larger than 1MB.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the folder.
- Use the search bar.
- Press Enter.
- Review search results.
Conclusion
Finding a specific file type in Windows 10 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly locate any file type you need. The search functions in File Explorer are robust, allowing you to perform detailed searches with just a few commands. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to play around with the search options to get comfortable.
If you’re frequently searching for specific file types, consider creating saved searches or using advanced search techniques to make the process even smoother. By mastering these search skills, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration. Happy searching!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.