Find a forgotten file with Everything

You often remember a fragment of a filename before you remember its folder. Everything is designed around filename search, which makes it useful for this kind of everyday retrieval.

Search from the detail you know

Start with a distinctive part of the name. Add another term or a file extension if the results are too broad. Review the path as well as the filename, especially when several projects contain similarly named exports.

Refine before opening

1. Search for the most unusual word in the filename.
2. Narrow the list with a suitable filter or a more specific search expression.
3. Sort the results when a date or size helps distinguish the right copy.
4. Open the containing folder when you need to understand the file’s context.

Finding a file is different from deciding which copy is authoritative. Check its location and contents before replacing or deleting another version.

Know what is indexed

The folders and drives available to search depend on the indexing configuration and the filesystem. If an expected file is missing, review those settings instead of repeatedly changing the search text. Consult the documented search syntax for more complex filters. Filename search and searching the contents of documents are separate tasks, so choose the appropriate tool for each.

Official reference

Read the official documentation for current controls, system requirements and release-specific details. Find the publisher’s download link in our Everything listing.