How do I find MP3s?

Hello, as I've posted many times, Cortana's search is limited.
1. It only finds things that have been indexed by Windows search
2. It does not find any executable or dll (by design) - not relevant to you here.
3. To get search results for files, also make sure you use Cortana's filters.

Using file explorer's search bar is more comprehensive.
However, imagine you have drive E:. You have a few folders indexed on drive E. You have file explorer open at drive E: and you search for something. Your search will be slow as all non-indexed folders will also be searched, and the indexed folders are not prioritised in the results.

In both you can use Advanced Query Syntax (search for that and you'll find a document)
E.g.
documents: evernote* type:txt
works in file explorer
but not quite in Cortana, where
documents: evernote*.txt
works

Note e.g. for music, Advanced Query Syntax includes these options e.g.

Advanced Query Syntax (Windows)

Example:


For Windows search by content to work, you need the appropriate ifilters installed.

So, you have two options:
1. Index the whole partition containing mp3's and use Windows search

My recommendation: (and that of a good many others)
2. Use a free 3rd party utility (these are GREAT!) and get find-as-you-type instant search results across all disks.

These have been recommended many times. Free.
Locate32
Everything (void tools)
Ultrasearch

These index files and folders (not contents- for contents use Windows search or other tools).
They do that once, then maintain it.

Using Windows search and one of those tools you should be able to find things conveniently.

Edit: Beaten by the flying fingers of @dalchina :)

Welcome to the forum :)
I suggest you try 3rd party search software like Everything Search by VoidTools or UltraSearch Both are free, fast and efficient, I have been using both for years and have never had a problem
Both have a portable version so you can test without installing it. I always use the portable version

Simply launch then type .mp3 and the results including the path (location) will appear immediately. You can also double click a song to play it with the default player or right click and add to player playlist etc

Good luck :)

File explorer search bar enter *.mp3

@Cerberus @mrgeek If the files are indexed. Otherwise very slow (file explorer).

mrgeek said:

I find indexing is pretty fast. I just downloaded a song to Downloads and typed name of song in Cortana less than 10 seconds later and it went right to the song in correct folder. Same for a New Text Document put on desktop, instant find.
File explorer, on the other hand, IS slow searching entire 'This PC' but new song also found in correct location. He can speed up, of course, if he knows his mp3s are in Music folder.
He might want to go to Control Panel>Indexing Options and ensure settings are optimal too.

I meant the file explorer search is fast if the files have been indexed. (Unless you point explorer at the file hierarchy above where you want to search such that non-indexed locations will be searched, as I said above).