How to find hidden folders and files on your computer? How to quickly find files, folders and search programs in Windows! How to find a file in a folder name

I often come across the fact that even experienced users They don’t know a simple trick to quickly find a file in a folder.

Let's assume that you have a folder in which there are quite a lot of objects and, as usual, it is difficult to find the desired object. How to quickly find required file or a folder? For example, starting with “B” without using the “Find” function (ctrl+F).

Of course, you can use the search, that is, go to Start and enter the word, or click hotkey ctrl + F and search directly in the folder. You can search with your eyes.

But there is an even easier way

For example, I need to find the Bob Marley folder. To do this, make the window active (select it) and press the letter “b” on the keyboard - an object with a name starting with this letter will be highlighted in the directory. To sort through objects starting with “b”, press the letter several times.

This way, even in the most cluttered folder, you can quickly find the file you need!

How to quickly find a file in a folder of a specific format

To select files of a specific format, for example .mp3, use the search ctrl + F3. To do this, enter *.mp3 in the search bar.

Where the * sign will denote all possible characters. In the same way, you can find files with any number of characters in the name by substituting the combination of characters *file* between the asterisks.

When you use a computer for a long time, a huge amount of information can accumulate on it over time (we are talking about Windows) - various programs, files. It is not always possible to remember what is where, and for beginners it is also sometimes difficult to find the programs they need. In order not to manually climb through folders in search of the desired file or not to search for the necessary Windows programs and tools through a special control panel, you can use the built-in search and quickly find the information or program you need. In this article, I will show you how to search for the information and programs you need on computers with the Windows operating system installed (on Windows example 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10).

In the article, I consider the 3 above systems as examples, since they are by far the most common. For example, Windows XP and Windows Vista have long been outdated and are used by a minimal percentage of users.

Search in Windows 7

In Windows 7, search is located in the Start menu and in all Explorer windows.
Let's first consider the most accessible search, which is the fastest to open - search in the Start menu. It's located at the very bottom of this menu:

Right there you just need to type the name of the desired file or program in whole or in part (just the beginning, for example) and Windows will try to find what you are looking for.

Example of program search

Let's say you want to find and run the Windows Uninstall Tool. In Windows 7 it is called "Add or Remove Programs".

To find this tool, in the search you just need to type “programs” (1) and after a few seconds a list will appear where you can already see the tool we need (2):

All you have to do is click on the search result and required program will open.
Also in this window you can see the “Programs and Features” and “Uninstall a Program” tools. It's all the same.

Example of searching for a file or folder with files

Let’s assume that on my “C:” drive in the “Documents” library there is a file with a work report called “Report for 2015”.

To find this file through the search, just type part of the name, for example “report” or “report”, and Windows will try to find everything that is with that name on your computer.

For example, I typed the query “otch” (1) into the search and my file (2) was found.

In Windows 7, you can quickly open the search tool using the keyboard shortcut: Win+F.

Search in Windows 8 and Windows 10

In Windows 8 and Windows 10, searching for information is no different in principle from what it was in Windows 7. The only difference is in the interface of the operating systems, since in new Windows it's quite different.

How to open and use search in Windows 8

Let's look at the search capabilities using Windows 8 as an example. There is also a search through the Start menu. The search button in this menu is located at the top right (magnifying glass icon).

Before you search for something, you can select a search area, namely, search in parameters, files, pictures or videos from the Internet, and also everywhere at once. To select an area, click the default area (1) and select the desired one from the list (2). If you don’t know where to look, put “Everywhere”, you will find most of everything.

For example, I want to find and open the panel Windows management. I selected the “Everywhere” area and entered “Control Panel”. The results appear below. What was found in Windows will be displayed in the very first options (1)?, before the line. After the dash there are options for searching via the Internet (3).

If you click on the search button (4) with a magnifying glass icon, a more detailed list of results will open, including search results for Internet sites.

Another option to open the search: while on the desktop, move the mouse cursor to the lower right corner and hold for a couple of seconds.

A panel will appear on the right, where you will see a search button at the top:

Everything works exactly the same. Let’s say you have a file somewhere on your computer called “List of Workers.” Having selected the search area (in the example “Everywhere” was selected), I enter part of the name, for example “list” (1). The results appear below, among which will be the file you are looking for (2), which can be immediately opened from this list.

In Windows 8, you can quickly open the search tool using the keyboard shortcut: Win + F.

How to open and use search in Windows 10

In Windows 10, search is located on the Windows taskbar by default:

Clicking this button will open a search window. In the bottom line (1) we indicate search query. Let's say I want to find and open the Windows tool for removing programs from my computer, so I enter the "uninstall" part of the query (1) into the search bar. Search results will appear above, among which I see the one that suits me “Add or remove programs” (2).

You can select a search area by clicking on the default area:

From the list that opens, you can select a specific Windows area to search, for example, search by photos, programs, documents, etc. If you want to search in all areas at once, select “All”.

Another search example. Suppose there is a “My Database” file somewhere on your computer. I enter part of the name into the search, for example “Base” (1) and in the results I get what I need (2).

In Windows 10, you can quickly open the search tool using the keyboard shortcut: Win + S.

Search through "Explorer" in Windows 7, 8, 10

It happens that there is no point in searching for a file throughout the computer, so as not to waste extra time, because searching for a file throughout the computer can take a long time, depending on the amount of information on the computer, and especially since you know approximately in which folder or on which This file can be located on your local disk. To do this, it’s easier to use a search in a separate folder or local drive, i.e. through the Windows Explorer program. Let's look at an example at Windows based 7.

In Windows 8 and 10, searching through Explorer is absolutely no different!

Search in Explorer is located at the top right (1). When you open a folder, the search bar will indicate where the search will be performed (where you are now). For example, now I have the folder open Program Files"(2).

Let's say I want to find the "Drivers" folder in the "Program Files" folder where I am now. To do this, in the search at the top right (1) I write “drivers” or you can enter the first few letters (in case you don’t remember the full name). The results will appear below (2).

All that remains is to open the desired file, folder or program directly from the search results!

It can also sometimes be useful to use a filter when searching, for example, to search for files, folders and programs by a certain size or modification date. When you enter the name of what you are looking for, the filter modes will appear below:

Let's look at another example...

Somewhere on my “C:” drive I have a file for work called “Publish on the site.” Knowing that the file is located on the “C:” drive, I need to open Windows Explorer, and then this local drive in it. In the search, I type the beginning of the file name “published” (1) and the system finds the file I need (2), indicating below its location on the computer.

Tip for finding files. When searching for files in Windows, you can search by file extensions. For example, if you want to find all files with the extension .txt, then type *.txt in the search. Where * will mean that files with any names will be searched, but with the extension .txt.

Conclusion

Use it Windows search to quickly open programs and files that you have located somewhere deep in Explorer. This way you will save time. And of course, you shouldn’t try to search for the required file or folder manually all over your computer for a long time, since first of all you should use a regular search.

Have a nice day and good mood! ;)

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 can be done even by those who are not yet familiar with the computer 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 - no additional programs are needed 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.

It usually consists of the section title hard drive, on which the document is located, then the path to the desired object is indicated. 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. We are talking about independent 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 of where this or that information may be stored, similar solution may 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, copy the file address into the address bar 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 to actually do a quick search is to use 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 root folder, in which the document can 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.

In 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. Mark necessary 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 (right upper 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 shorten 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.

Every computer user has repeatedly heard that in the operating system Windows any versions have a “desktop” version. Most of them know or at least have an idea of ​​what it means and where it is. In general, the “Desktop” is the main area of ​​the screen that appears immediately after the computer boots and then enters the operating system. However, not everyone knows that the “Desktop,” among other things, is a folder or directory that can contain program shortcuts, files, and even folders with subfolders and files. If this is a directory then how to find the Desktop folder in Windows 7? At first glance, this question may seem trivial to some users. But beginners should not rush to such a conclusion. Because sooner or later everyone may need to reinstall Windows system 7 with preliminary formatting of the local disk. Therefore, it is very important to know where the “Desktop” folder is located so as not to lose important files that are in it.

How to Find the Desktop Folder in Windows 7

As you may have guessed, Desktop folder in Windows 7 and other versions of the system is located on the same local disk as the system itself, that is, on the “C:\” drive. Therefore, it is very important before reinstalling the operating system to transfer all the necessary information from the local drive “C:\” to any other, for example, to “D:\”. Let's take a look how to find the Desktop folder by using standard conductor. To do this, press the key combination “WIN” + “E” on your keyboard or double-click on the “Computer” icon located on the “Desktop” or in the “Start” menu. You can also launch Explorer from the “Taskbar and Start Menu” - the Explorer icon in the form of a yellow folder is pinned there by default.

An explorer window will appear in front of you, with the help of which I will show you the absolute path of the location Desktop folders in Windows 7, which can be used in other conductors, for example, Total Commander. So, in the left column of the Explorer window, click on the “Computer” icon once with the left mouse button. All drives on your computer will be displayed on the right. Double-click the operating system drive marked with the Microsoft icon (by default, this is the C:\ drive).


The contents of the “C:\” drive will be displayed, among which we are interested in only one folder – “Users” (or “Users”). Double-click on it with the left mouse button to open it.


You will see folders with the names of all users on your system and a “General” folder. Open the folder that bears your name (username).


The directory with the username is the place where is the "Desktop" folder located?. And you already see it. If your system language is not Russian, but English, or if you use, say, Total Commander Explorer, the “Desktop” folder will be called “Desktop”.


It turns out that the full absolute path to the “Desktop” folder will look like this:

"C:\Users\Username\Desktop"

Now at any time you can find the "Desktop" folder for more comfortable work with the folders and files it contains. Be on friendly terms with your computer!

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 in this case in Windows 7, a document called "Agency" was searched for. 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 performance, duration of 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 contents. 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 button (this action allows the top horizontal menu to appear, which is usually hidden in the normal state).
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.