Find it faster
Pinpoint virtually anything on your PC with Windows Search
You know it's in there somewhere: that photo of you with the bad haircut that you want to erase forever. It's hiding in your computer, but you don’t have a clue where to start looking.
With Windows 7, there are no more bad hair days, because searching for files, folders, programs, and photos is a breeze. You can find nearly anything by using the search box on the Start menu or in any open window.
Using the Start menu
The search box on the Start menu is usually the first place you’ll want to look for what you need. You can use the search box on the Start menu to find files, folders, programs, and e-mail messages that are stored on your computer. Just click the Start button, and then start typing in the search box. As you start typing, items will appear on the Start menu that match the text that you typed.
Using the search box
If you know that a file is somewhere in a particular folder or library—such as Documents or Pictures—use the search box. You’ll see the search box at the top of every folder or library. Just start typing in the search box and the current view will filter based on the text you type. Once you see the file you’re looking for, stop typing and open the file.
No more digging through folders and subfolders. Just type a few characters and you’re there.
To use the search features outlined on this page, your computer needs to be running Windows 7. Get Windows 7 now.
