10 Amazing Windows Search Alternatives

Looking for more than just the names of files? These incredible search tools for Windows delve deep into your system.

The Windows Search feature is pretty handy when it comes to quickly finding what you’re after on your computer. However, it does have some downsides. For instance, it doesn’t search inside files, and it can be a tad sluggish.

If the default search feature doesn’t quite cut it for you, don’t worry! You can make your Windows experience even better by installing some fantastic third-party search tools. Below, I’ve compiled a list of 10 top-notch alternatives to the built-in Windows Search feature.

1. WinFindr

Hey there! I want to tell you about this awesome tool called WinFindr. It’s a completely free and user-friendly tool for Windows that helps you search for files, folders, and registry data. And the best part? You can use all sorts of search keywords at the same time! You can even use special “negative” terms to exclude specific results from your search. How cool is that?

Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you can easily save the results in text, CSV, or HTML formats. It’s super convenient!

Now, let me tell you about some of the notable features of WinFindr:

• It allows you to search for multiple file types all at once. No need to do separate searches!
• You can use multiple search terms and wildcards. It’s like having a super-powered search engine!
• WinFindr is fast, lightweight, and won’t slow down your computer.

Oh, and there’s more! WinFindr is available in two formats: a portable version that’s only 2MB in size, and a version that works right within the Windows Command Prompt. So you can use it wherever and however you like!

I’m here to tell you about two amazing software tools that can revolutionize your computer experience. Let’s dive right in!

First up, we have a fantastic program called Rainmeter. With Rainmeter, you can customize the entire look and feel of your Windows desktop. Say goodbye to boring default settings and hello to a personalized, stylish desktop that reflects your unique personality. Whether you want a sleek and modern design or a cozy and nostalgic vibe, Rainmeter has got you covered.

One of the standout features of Rainmeter is its Windows dark mode. This means that you can switch your desktop to a sleek, dark color scheme that’s easy on the eyes and perfect for late-night browsing sessions. Not only does dark mode reduce eye strain, but it also gives your computer a cool and sophisticated look. Plus, with Rainmeter, you have a wide range of customization options at your disposal. You can change the wallpaper, add useful widgets, and even create your own unique designs. The possibilities are endless!

And here’s the best part: Rainmeter is completely free to use. That’s right, you don’t have to spend a single penny to get your hands on this powerful tool. So why wait? Give Rainmeter a try and transform your computer into a personalized work of art.

Now, let’s move on to the second tool on our list – Everything. As the name suggests, Everything is a powerful search tool that helps you find files and folders on your computer in an instant. No more endless searching and scrolling through folders. With Everything, you can find what you need with just a few keystrokes.

Searching with Everything is a breeze. Simply type in keywords or phrases related to the file or folder you’re looking for, and within seconds, Everything will present you with a list of results. You can even use wildcards and boolean operators to refine your search and find exactly what you’re looking for.

But what makes Everything truly special is its lightning-fast search speed. Whether you have thousands or even millions of files on your computer, Everything can handle it all. It indexes your files in real-time, ensuring that your searches are always up-to-date and lightning fast.

So there you have it – two amazing software tools that can take your computer experience to the next level. With Rainmeter’s dark mode and customization options, and Everything’s lightning-fast search capabilities, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. And the best part? They’re both completely free to use. So what are you waiting for? Give them a try and see the difference for yourself!

One of my personal favorites is Everything. It’s an amazingly light, fast, and easy-to-use search tool for Windows. While it may not have a ton of features, it really shines when it comes to quickly finding files and folders.

With Everything, you can search for files and folders just by their names. This simplicity allows it to be lightning fast, as it can index your PC’s data in just a few seconds – about 8-10 seconds in my experience.

The results update in real-time as you type, with no delay in their display. Plus, it has other convenient features like the ability to sort data by various criteria, search for specific file types, open files directly from the interface, and bookmark files or folders for quick access later on.

Notable Features:

When it comes to searching for files and folders on your computer, it can sometimes feel like a never-ending quest. That’s where Listary comes in. With its easy-to-use interface, you’ll be able to find what you need in no time.

But Listary isn’t just about speed. It also offers fast results, so you won’t have to wait around for your search to finish. And with its complete index in one location, you won’t have to worry about searching through multiple locations or databases to find what you’re looking for.

I know how frustrating it can be to spend precious minutes searching for a file, only to come up empty-handed. That’s why Listary is such a valuable tool. It simplifies the search process, giving you more time to focus on the important things.

So why waste time searching through countless folders and files when you can use Listary to streamline the process? Give it a try and see how it can revolutionize the way you find files on your computer.

With Listary, searching for files has never been easier. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth and effortless experience. You don’t have to be a tech expert to use this tool – it’s designed with simplicity in mind.

But it’s not just about being easy to use. Listary is also incredibly fast. Who has time to wait for search results? With this tool, you’ll get instant results, so you can dive right into your work without any delays.

And the best part? Listary consolidates all your search results into one convenient location. No need to jump from folder to folder or search through different databases. Everything you need is right there, easily accessible and well-organized.

I know how frustrating it can be when you’re in the middle of an important task and can’t find the file you need. It can throw off your productivity and waste valuable time. But with Listary, those days are over. It’s a game-changer that will make your life so much easier.

So why wait? Try Listary today and experience the power of efficient file searching. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.



When you’re using Windows File Explorer, Listary is there to help. Think of it as your trusty sidekick, always ready to enhance your productivity. Just start typing what you’re looking for and watch as the results magically appear in real-time.

But wait, there’s more! Listary isn’t just limited to your computer’s files. It can also search directly within online websites. Imagine typing “fb” and instantly being taken to Facebook. Pretty cool, right?

And that’s not all Listary can do. It’s packed with features like keyboard shortcuts, customizable filters, and even the ability to create executable commands and assign shortcuts to them. Plus, it keeps track of your recent files and gives you a complete file history.

Not only does Listary offer a range of themes to customize its interface, but it also stands out as the only tool on this list that can include Windows settings and programs in its search results. I haven’t seen this feature in any other tools!

The free version of Listary is available for personal use only. If you want to use it in a business environment or have more control, you’ll need to upgrade to the pro version.

Impressive Features:

• You can type directly in File Explorer.
• It provides fast indexing and delivers quick results.
• You can even search the internet with it.
• It indexes Windows settings and native programs as well.

4. UltraSearch



Hey there! Let me tell you all about UltraSearch. It’s a super cool tool that goes way beyond your average search engine. Instead of wasting time indexing everything on your computer, UltraSearch takes a unique approach. It scans the MFT (Master File Table) of your drive partition directly to find the data you’re looking for.

Why is this so great? Well, it means you can jump right into your search without waiting for files to be indexed. No more twiddling your thumbs while you wait for results. And even though it doesn’t track file changes in real-time, you can always manually update your data by rescanning the MFT.

But wait, there’s more! UltraSearch is packed with awesome features. You can really fine-tune your searches with filters, create custom search patterns, and even search for specific file types. It doesn’t stop there – you can also sort your results using different factors. How cool is that?

Here’s where it gets really interesting. UltraSearch has this nifty “Content Search” feature that lets you dig deep and search within files. Want to find a specific word or phrase within a document? No problem! Just give UltraSearch a whirl and watch the results roll in. Now, this feature might take a bit longer to work its magic, but trust me, it’s totally worth the wait. It’s like having a treasure map for your files.

Now, let’s talk about the standout features:

• UltraSearch scans the MFT, so no need for indexing.
• Search and uncover hidden gems within your files.

5. SearchMyFiles: A Powerful File Searching Tool

Hey there! Today, I wanted to tell you about an awesome program called SearchMyFiles. It’s a really handy tool that helps you find files on your computer quickly and easily.

So, imagine you’re looking for a specific file, maybe an important document or a photo you need for a project. You could spend ages scrolling through folders and searching manually, but why waste your precious time when SearchMyFiles can do it for you in a flash?

With SearchMyFiles, you can search for files using different criteria. It’s super flexible! You can specify search filters like file extension, size, creation date, and more. Plus, you can search in specific folders or even search within subfolders. It gives you complete control over your search, making it a breeze to find exactly what you’re looking for.

But wait, there’s more! SearchMyFiles also lets you search for files with specific content. Let’s say you vaguely remember some text or keywords within a file, but you can’t recall the file name. No worries! Just enter those keywords into SearchMyFiles, and it will sniff out the file for you. It’s like having a bloodhound for your computer!

And here’s the best part – you don’t need to install SearchMyFiles to use it. It’s a portable program, which means you can carry it around on a thumb drive and use it on any computer without leaving a trace. It’s perfect for those situations when you need to find something quickly on a friend’s computer or a public machine.

So, if you’re tired of wasting time searching for files or simply want a more efficient way to find what you need, give SearchMyFiles a try. Trust me, it’s a game-changer in the world of file searching.

That’s all from me! Go ahead and have fun exploring SearchMyFiles. Happy searching!



Nirsoft has a reputation for creating highly versatile tools, and SearchMyFiles is a prime example of this. This search tool gives you complete control over your searches, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs. It may not be the quickest alternative to the built-in Windows search, as there is a short setup time and the results take a moment to appear.

However, the customization options it offers make it an ideal choice for locating elusive files. With features like wildcards, ability to exclude folders, exclude file extensions, customizable file size, subfolder depth, file attributes, and timestamps for file creation, modification, and access, SearchMyFiles empowers you to find the exact file you’re seeking.

Guess what? This awesome tool has a super-powerful search feature that lets you find stuff inside files. Yep, you heard me right! With just a few clicks, you can search through the content of files and narrow it down to exactly what you’re looking for.

Here’s why this feature is so great:

• You can customize your search filters to make it work just the way you want it to.
• It can search for both text and binary content in files. That means it can handle all sorts of file types!

6. MasterSeeker: The Ultimate Search Tool



I’ve got another search tool for you, and let me tell you, it’s a breeze to use. MasterSeeker is lightning fast. When I tried it out, it only took about 3 seconds to index all my data. Impressive, right?

Let me walk you through the interface. Right at the top, you’ll find three search fields: Filename, Directory, and File Size. The first one, Filename, allows you to search for files or folders by their names. The next one, Directory, lets you choose the specific location where you want to search. And the last one, File Size, gives you the option to filter files based on their size.

One of the features that really stood out to me was the “search by file size” option. It’s great because you can quickly input a file size and find matching files in a snap. Plus, you can even use symbols like >,

Here are some notable features:

• Fast indexing

Searching Made Simple

I’m here to make your search experience easier than ever. Forget about the hassle of scrolling through endless results or sifting through irrelevant information. Let me introduce you to some powerful search features that will save you time and frustration.

1. Advanced Search Filters

When you’re searching for something specific, I’ve got you covered. With my advanced search filters, you can refine your results by date, location, file type, and more. No more wasting time on irrelevant information – I’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

2. Keyword Search

Don’t waste time guessing the perfect search terms. Just type in a few keywords that describe what you’re looking for, and I’ll do the rest. I’ll understand the context of your search and deliver the most relevant results. It’s like having your own personal search assistant!

3. Auto-Suggestions

Can’t find the right words to express your search query? No problem! I’ll provide you with helpful auto-suggestions as you type, so you can find what you’re looking for faster. Say goodbye to spelling errors and hello to effortless searching.

4. Related Searches

When you’re searching for something, chances are you’re also interested in related topics. That’s why I’ll suggest related searches to help you discover new and relevant information. Expand your knowledge and explore new horizons with just a click.

5. Image and Video Search

Searching for visual content? Look no further. I offer a robust image and video search feature, so you can find the perfect picture or video for your project. From stunning landscapes to entertaining videos, I’ve got it all.

6. Reliable Size-Based Search

Don’t waste time downloading files that are too big or too small for your needs. Use my reliable file size-based search to find files that fit your requirements. Whether you need a high-resolution image or a compact document, I’ll help you find the perfect match.

7. Quick Search

When you’re in a hurry, I’ve got your back. My quick search feature allows you to find information in no time. Just type in your query, hit enter, and voila! Relevant results will be displayed instantly. Save time and stay productive with quick search.



When you use Quick Search, you’ll notice right away how easy it is to find what you’re looking for. This app has a sleek interface that’s really user-friendly. It quickly organizes all your data into different categories like documents, photos, videos, shortcuts, and music. And if you’re not sure which file you want, you can always check out the preview section for a sneak peek before you open it.

One of the things I really like about Quick Search is that it highlights your search keywords in the results. This makes it super easy to see where your keyword appears in each file. It’s also nice because Quick Search gives you related searches from Bing if you want to explore more options.

Quick Search has some standout features that I think are worth mentioning. By default, it organizes your data into different categories, which helps keep everything neat and tidy. It also lets you preview your files, so you can quickly see if it’s the right one. And don’t forget about the keyword highlighting and related searches – they’re both really handy features.

Overall, Quick Search is the top choice for me when it comes to apps with a great interface. It’s sleek, interactive, and it just gets the job done. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy it is to find what you need.

8. DocFetcher

Have you ever found yourself grasping at straws when trying to find a specific file on your computer? You know it’s there, buried somewhere in the depths of your cluttered folders, but you just can’t seem to locate it. Enter DocFetcher, the solution to all your document-searching woes.

With DocFetcher, you can finally bid adieu to the endless scrolling and frantic keyword searches. This clever software allows you to swiftly search through all your documents, effortlessly navigating the maze of files that often plagues our digital lives.

Imagine this: you’re in a hurry to find that crucial presentation you’ve been working on for days. Instead of spending precious minutes rummaging through folders, you simply type a few relevant keywords into DocFetcher’s intuitive search bar. In the blink of an eye, DocFetcher serves up a list of all the files that match your search criteria.

But what sets DocFetcher apart from other search tools? Well, for starters, it possesses a powerful engine capable of indexing the contents of most document formats. From PDFs and Microsoft Word files to PowerPoint presentations and OpenOffice documents, DocFetcher can handle them all. You won’t need to worry about compatibility issues or file types that can’t be searched.

Additionally, DocFetcher lets you refine your search results by utilizing a range of advanced search options. You can narrow down your search by specifying file size, creation date, or even excluding specific folders. With these handy features at your disposal, you’ll be able to locate that elusive file in no time.

You might be thinking, “Wow, this must be a complex program with a steep learning curve.” But fear not! DocFetcher has been designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its clean and intuitive interface makes it a breeze to navigate, even for the least tech-savvy among us.

So, whether you’re a student desperately searching for that lost research paper or a busy professional trying to locate an important contract, DocFetcher is your answer. It’s time to bid farewell to the frustrations of file hunting and embrace the simplicity and efficiency of DocFetcher. With this indispensable tool by your side, you’ll never again waste time and energy sifting through the labyrinth of your computer’s folders. Instead, you can focus on what truly matters – getting things done.



I want to tell you about a fantastic open-source Windows search alternative called DocFetcher. It’s different from other search tools because its main focus is on indexing and finding content within files, instead of searching the entire hard drive. This is great for privacy because you can choose which parts of your hard drive to index.

Once the files are indexed, you can quickly search for any type of content within them. The only downside is that DocFetcher doesn’t provide real-time results for its searches, so you have to click the “Search” button every time.

Here are some notable features of DocFetcher:

• A comprehensive search tool specifically designed for finding content within files.
• It only indexes the directories you specify, giving you more control over your search.

Another search tool worth checking out is Searchmonkey.



Hey there! I’ve got another search tool recommendation for you. It’s called Searchmonkey, and it’s similar to DocFetcher but with a few cool twists.

What sets Searchmonkey apart is that it lets you choose a specific directory to search in, rather than scanning your entire system. And let me tell you, its interface is a breeze to use – it’s fast and super friendly.

Now, here’s the nifty part: Searchmonkey can search not only the file names but also the content inside those files. And in my experience, it’s pretty reliable when it comes to the content search. It’s like having a trusty helper by your side.

All you have to do is tell Searchmonkey which directory you want to search in and what you’re looking for. It’ll zoom through that directory, find all the relevant files, and give you a sneak peek of their content right there in its interface. They even highlight the keywords you searched for in red, so they’re easy to spot.

Some features that caught my eye:

• It only indexes the directory you choose, so you don’t have to worry about scanning your whole system.
• Using Searchmonkey is a piece of cake – it’s simple and lightning-fast.

FileSleek is a powerful tool that allows you to easily search for specific content within your files. With FileSleek, you don’t have to waste time manually opening each file and scanning through it. Instead, you can simply enter your search keywords, and FileSleek will do all the hard work for you.

Once you’ve entered your keywords, FileSleek will not only find the files that contain your desired content, but it will also give you a preview of those files. This preview feature is especially useful because it highlights your search keywords, making it easy for you to quickly identify the relevant information you’re looking for.

FileSleek is a handy tool for anyone who needs to efficiently search for specific content within files. Whether you’re a student searching for information in your study materials, a professional looking for specific data within your work documents, or just someone who wants to find a particular piece of text in a file, FileSleek has got you covered. With its user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities, finding information within your files has never been easier. Give FileSleek a try and experience the convenience of efficient file searching.



Even though FileSleek requires payment, there’s a really useful free version that’s perfect for personal use. With FileSleek, you can find both files and folders, and even search for specific content inside those files.

You have the ability to search through multiple directories at the same time, and you can filter your results based on patterns, names, or types. You can also preview your results, search for specific keywords, and filter by time or file size. There are so many features to explore!

If you want to search for content inside files, you can use regular expressions or advanced expressions. You can even use operators like +, -, and OR to refine your search. The paid version of FileSleek offers even more features, such as opening results in multiple tabs, exporting your data, and syncing your information across different devices.

Features that stand out:

• Search through multiple directories at once.
• Use powerful filters for precise searching.

As an AI language model, I can help you find advanced expressions to enhance your content search. Searching for specific terms or phrases can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of your search results. Let’s explore some options together.

One way to enhance your content search is by using quotation marks around a specific phrase or term. This tells the search engine to look for that exact combination of words, rather than individual words scattered throughout the content. For example, searching for “best chocolate cake recipe” will give you results that specifically mention this exact phrase.

Another advanced expression you can use is the OR operator. This allows you to search for multiple terms at once, broadening your search. For example, if you’re looking for information about dogs or cats, you can search for “dogs OR cats” and the search engine will show you results that include either term.

To narrow down your search results, you can use the NOT operator. This tells the search engine to exclude certain terms from the results. For example, if you’re looking for information about lions but not about tigers, you can search for “lions NOT tigers” and the search engine will exclude any results that mention tigers.

Lastly, you can use the wildcard operator, represented by an asterisk (*), to replace unknown or variable terms in your search. This can be helpful if you’re not sure about the exact wording of a phrase. For example, searching for “how to * a bicycle” will give you results for various actions related to bicycles, such as “how to ride a bicycle” or “how to fix a bicycle.”

By utilizing these advanced expressions, you can refine your searches and find the specific information you’re looking for. Remember to experiment with different combinations and expressions to tailor your search to your needs.

Additionally, if you’re interested in an advanced file search tool, you may want to consider FileSearchy. It provides an efficient and comprehensive way to search for files on your computer. Give it a try and see how it can enhance your file search experience. Happy searching!

• Advanced expressions for content search.

Bonus: FileSearchy



With FileSearchy, you can find data on your PC in a flash, both in files and through file names. While it specializes in document formats for content searches, it shines in its lightning-fast speed. On top of searching by name, you can also narrow down files by date and size.

This software offers other helpful search features that you can tailor to your needs. You can use wildcards, search for multiple keywords, find exact matches, and even do case-sensitive searches. It even highlights your keywords in the search results for easy spotting, and keeps a complete history of all your searches so you can refer back to them easily.

Highlights:

• Search through file content.
• Find multiple keywords at once.
• Highlight keywords in search results.
• Maintain a complete search history.

Time to Search Like a Pro

If you’re looking to find files and folders quickly, I’ve got a couple of great options for you. First up is Everything. It’s a reliable tool that does exactly what you need. However, if you want something more powerful and productive, you should check out Listray. It has some amazing search capabilities and reliable features that can help you get things done. And if you’re still not sure which one to choose, give Quick Search by GlarySoft a try. I found it to be quite pleasing.

What are Windows Services & How to Use Them

Have you ever wondered how all those Windows features work behind the scenes? Even though they don’t have a visible interface, they work together seamlessly to make your computer run smoothly. If you’re curious to learn more about how Windows services work and how you can make the most of them, keep reading to find out.