If you’re like most Windows users, you’ve probably discovered that using the system search to look for a program, file, or folder takes longer than doing it manually. Despite the fact that Windows Search has always had a few cool tricks and hints, it has never been as advanced as the search capabilities of Mac or Linux. It is so poor that the best desktop search tools for Windows 10 PCs are 3rd party software.
Windows 10 has narrowed the gap in many respects, but it’s still quite slow and unreliable. This is why we’ve created this guide since you’ll be better off using one of the free third-party Windows search tools we’ve recommended as alternatives.
7 Best Desktop Search Tools For Windows 10 Computers
Everything
Even if Windows 10’s Enhanced Search Mode is always reliable, third-party programs are still necessary. Everything is often regarded as being among the fastest Windows search tools. It’s quite easy to use: just install it, launch the software, and wait a little while for it to index your overall system (it can index a new Windows install in under one minute).
After completing that, you’ll only need to start typing anything into the text area to start seeing results right away. It will also always be instantaneous if you let Everything keep track of system changes in the background.
The best part is that it is small, using less than 5MB of RAM and 1MB of disk space. It’s definitely the most ideal option available for sluggish and older computers.
Listary
Listary’s design is really simple, and until you need it, it stays totally out of the way. You only need to start typing when you need to search, t That’s how simple it is.
Additionally, while you type, Listary will display a real-time list of all the files on your system that fit the query. Listary is also capable of carrying out tasks like Copy Folder Path and Open Folder. It even allows you to rapidly navigate to another folder by simply inputting its name.
Listary Pro, which costs $20, might be necessary if you’d like to enjoy some of its better features. You still get a great deal of flexibility and versatility with Listary Free, though, so it just might be good enough for you.
SearchMyFiles
At first sight, SearchMyFiles can appear ancient, but it’s surprisingly adaptable. Using filters and wildcards, you will be able to construct complicated search queries once you get beyond the small learning curve.
For instance, it lets you search all recently produced files that are between 300 and 600 bytes in size and contain the word error. You can also transport the application on a USB stick because it is small, portable, and doesn’t need to be installed.
Exselo Desktop
Exselo Desktop is a great free search tool for Windows 10, although it’s not as widely known as some other alternatives. It connects with Outlook, offers a straightforward user interface, supports robust search searches, and securely exchanges data.
Exselo is able to search network and cloud repositories in addition to local disks. The Free edition is feature complete, which is the best part. Support for numerous users is the only distinction between its Free and Enterprise options.
Registry Finder
The free program Registry Finder makes it easy to navigate through the registry. This tool is useful when you want to see all recent modifications made because it can search keys based on when they were last edited (such as for troubleshooting).
Despite Windows 10’s enhanced search capabilities, its registry is still very rudimentary and needs a lot of work. Finding keys can therefore be slow and laborious, whether you want to fix registry mistakes or make a few usability modifications. For this reason, Registry Finder excels among other options.
Launchy
A clever program called Launchy is designed to take the place of the Start Menu, Taskbar, and File Explorer, as well as desktop shortcuts. If you’ve used a Mac before, you might recognize a similarity between Launchy and Spotlight. Launchy indexes your entire system and enables you to quickly start files, apps, folders, and bookmarks.
Most people believe that Launchy can only start apps, however, if you enable the feature, it can also search files and folders. Start Launchy by pressing Alt + Space, selecting the gear symbol in the upper right corner, selecting the Catalog tab, selecting File Types on the right panel, and then clicking “+” to add additional file types and directories to the search.
Wise JetSearch
For Windows 10, Wise JetSearch is another great free search tool. It is capable of searching all important file kinds from local storage and removable media, including music, photos, documents, and videos.
Wise JetSearch is capable of searching all partitions and hard drives, including detachable and secondary disks. It is compatible with many drive types, including NTFS, FAT, and exFAT. Using a Wise JetSearch is a good substitute for the built-in Windows Search tool thanks to features such as Quick Search and Preview Pane.
In summary, the third-party programs we’ve described above are alternatives to laborious and time-consuming searches for files on Windows 10 devices. These desktop search tools for Windows 10 are head-and-shoulder above the built-in search. Feel free to try out any one of them and locate files much faster on your PC.
We’d also encourage you to share or recommend this guide to other Windows 10 users you know because they’ll benefit a lot from it.
- Don’t miss our mobile phone reviews.
- Follow our news on Google News.
- Join our WhatsApp Group, to be notified of the most important articles and deals,
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.