How does Windows Search Work?

Windows Search

Windows Search creates a locally managed Index of files — documents, emails, folders, programs, photos, tracks, and videos — and file contents, as well as of nonfile items including those of Microsoft Outlook for which users can perform incremental searches based on details such as authors, contents, dates, file names ...

What does Windows Search do in Windows 10?

With the Windows 10 search tool, you can conduct narrow searches to find specific items such as apps from the Start menu , music from File Explorer, and preferences from the Settings menu. You can run web searches directly from the search box without first having to open your browser.

What does the Windows Search Feature Do?

In Windows Vista and later, Windows Search is integrated into all Windows Explorer windows for instant access to search. This enables users to quickly search for files and items by file name, properties, and fulltext contents. Results can also be filtered further to refine the search.

How does Windows Search Find Items so Quickly?

Libraries are automatically indexed by Windows Search, so viewing and searching is fast. And because its easier to get to all your items, you wont end up keeping multiple copies of the same file in different folders. This means that you can use your disk space more efficiently.

What is Windows Search and do I Need It?

Windows Search is an important tool when using your Windows PC. It works by using your preferred indexing options to help you find what you need. The indexing process runs in the background, just sort of writing a table of contents for the files that you have kept on your computer.