How to search folder in file explorer

In an era where digital data is growing exponentially, finding specific files or folders quickly can be a daunting task. Whether you’re trying to locate a long-lost project, access a recently downloaded document, or clean up old directories, File Explorer in Windows is your gateway to managing all your content. While it’s fairly intuitive for browsing, many users underestimate the power of its built-in search functionality, especially when trying to find folders.

1. File Explorer’s Search Engine

When you type into the File Explorer search box (found in the top-right corner), Windows uses the Windows Search indexer to locate matching results based on keywords, metadata, and file structure. However, this process behaves differently for folders versus files.

Files are indexed by name, metadata, and content (if indexing is enabled).

Folders are primarily indexed by name and path, not content.

Thus, searching for folders requires different tactics compared to files.

2. Basic Folder Search Techniques

Step 1: Open File Explorer

Press Windows + E or click the folder icon on your taskbar.

Step 2: Navigate to the Parent Location

Choose a general area where the folder might be located (e.g., Documents, C:\Users, or a custom directory).

Step 3: Use the Search Box

Type part or all of the folder name. For example:

nginx

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project

If a folder with the name “Project A” exists, it should appear in the results.

3. Using Search Filters for Folders

To refine your results, use File Explorer’s search filters.

Filter by Folder Only

makefile

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kind:folder

This limits search results to folders only, excluding files. You can combine it with other terms like:

makefile

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kind:folder name:invoice

Or simply:

makefile

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kind:folder invoice

Filter by Date

bash

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date:>01/01/2023

This will return folders modified after that date, though it’s more effective with files.

4. Searching by Folder Name

You can search by:

Exact name: Use quotation marks

arduino

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“Photos 2023”

Partial name: Use wildcards

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photos* *2023

Case-insensitive: Search is not case-sensitive in File Explorer.

5. Advanced Search Syntax

Advanced searches use operators and parameters for greater control.

Boolean Operators:

AND – default behavior

makefile

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kind:folder budget report

OR – find folders with either term

makefile

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kind:folder (budget OR finance)

NOT – exclude terms

makefile

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kind:folder NOT archive

Combine Filters:

vbnet

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kind:folder date:>1/1/2023 name:budget

6. How Indexing Affects Folder Searches

What Is Indexing?

Windows maintains a search index to speed up file/folder lookups. Folders outside indexed locations may take longer to search.

Check Indexed Locations:

Open Control Panel

Go to Indexing Options

View and modify indexed locations

To add a folder:

Click Modify

Check the box next to the folder path

Click OK

Rebuild the Index:

If your folder searches aren’t working:

Open Indexing Options

Click Advanced

Click Rebuild Index

7. Searching Inside Specific Drives or Paths

Search a Specific Drive

Navigate to D:\ and type:

makefile

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kind:folder name:reports

Search a Network Location

Navigate to the mapped drive or network path:

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\\ServerName\SharedFolder

Then use:

makefile

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kind:folder name:meeting

8. Common Problems and How to Fix Search Issues

Problem 1: Folder Not Showing in Results

Fix:

Rebuild index

Make sure folder is not hidden (View > Hidden items)

Use kind:folder explicitly

Problem 2: Too Many Irrelevant Results

Fix:

Use name: or quotes

Search within a specific folder rather than the entire drive

Problem 3: Search Is Slow or Stuck

Fix:

Reboot your system

Rebuild the index

Clear File Explorer history (Control Panel > File Explorer Options)

9. Folder Search on Network Drives and External Devices

Searching external drives and network paths can be slower because they are not indexed by default.

Tips:

Copy folders temporarily to a local drive for faster search

Use third-party search tools like Everything (see below)

10. Third-Party Tools for Folder Search

While File Explorer is functional, other tools provide faster and deeper search capabilities.

1. Everything (by Voidtools)

Extremely fast

Lightweight

Real-time indexing

Filters for folders only (folder:)

2. Listary

Excellent real-time launcher

Works well with File Explorer

3. UltraSearch

No indexing required

Finds folders instantly based on MFT (Master File Table)

4. Agent Ransack

Advanced search filters

Powerful UI for filtering folders

11. Best Practices and Tips

Tip 1: Use Folder Naming Conventions

Include dates, categories, or prefixes (e.g., 2023_budget, work_docs) to simplify future searches.

Tip 2: Use Libraries Wisely

The Documents, Pictures, and Music libraries are indexed by default—use them for important folders.

Tip 3: Clean Up Regularly

Organize files into clearly labeled folders; delete unused folders.

Tip 4: Use Quick Access

Pin frequently used folders for fast access via right-click > Pin to Quick access.

Tip 5: Tag with Properties (For Files)

While folders can’t be tagged directly, tagging files inside helps with indirect searches.

Mastering folder search in File Explorer helps you stay productive, organized, and efficient. Whether you’re dealing with hundreds of project directories, family photo albums, or business documents, knowing how to search effectively can transform a chaotic system into a streamlined workspace.