Problems trying to search in Quick Access

enso · 28 May 2017

Last machine was Windows 7, where I could search all of Favorites for words that I knew were in the file I wanted. Or I'd search on name:[string], where [string] is part of the filename. Worked great.

I can't get a search in Quick Access to find anything, unless I first select one folder. I want to be able to search multiple folders, just like Favorites would.

Another thing I like to get back, if possible, is the drop down in the search field that would show the available parameters one can search on -- name, datemodified, etc., etc.

dalchina · 29 May 2017

Another thing I'd like to get back, if possible, is the drop down in the search field that would show the available parameters one can search on -- name, datemodified, etc., etc

.

Hi, there are two basic ways to start a search in Windows:
1. The Cortana search bar which may be present on the task bar or via Windows key + S, for example.
2. The familiar search field in file explorer.

These behave differently, but both relay on Windows indexing.

The Cortana search box is much more restricted and will not allow any means of specifying a search as you wish.
As far as searching for files is concerned, it will only return results for indexed files. It will not find executable files of any type.

You might be able to specify your search verbally:

There are also few neat tricks that Cortana can do when searching for files. She understands phrases in natural language. For example, try asking Cortana:

Show photos from last week
Show me photos from the Philippines
Show documents from last Monday

In file explorer you can specify your search thus:
Use the Search Contextual tab in Windows 10 to efficiently find files - TechRepublic
or
use Advanced Query Syntax to specify your search in detail. Frankly, this is cumbersome and akin to using a command prompt.
E.g.
How to Search for Files from a Certain Date Range in Windows 8 and 10
And see:
How to search for files in Windows 10

However, where the search extends to non-indexed areas, you will face the dreaded green progress bar.

A far better way is to use a free indexing search tool such as
Ultrasearch
Locate32 (which I like)
Everything by void tools - use the beta version with extra search specification capability.

These are
- comprehensive
- easy to use
- allow search specification using their GUI
- instant (find as you type).

And if you want a really good search as part of your start menu, and a familiar and far more convenient, flexible, configurable start menu, use Classic Shell (free). It supports drag 'n drop, unlike Win 10's, properly expresses a hierarchical menu using nested folders (Win 10's fails badly).