Do
How to Search for Files on Windows More Precisely
Using type, date and size operators, in File Explorer or the Start menu.
Windows' basic search sometimes gives imprecise results — these operators improve accuracy quite a bit.
| Type this | To search for |
|---|---|
kind:word | Only Word documents |
datemodified:yesterday | Modified yesterday |
size:>10mb | Files larger than 10 MB |
"exact phrase" | Exact match, not loose words |
Tip: you can combine several operators in the same
search — for example, kind:word datemodified:this week
for Word documents modified in the last 7 days.
These operators work both in the Start menu's search box and inside File Explorer, with the same behaviour in both cases.
Frequently asked questions
Do these operators work in any folder?
Yes, they work both in Start menu search and inside File Explorer, in whichever folder you're searching.
Can I combine several operators at once?
Yes, for example 'kind:word datemodified:this week' combines file type and date in the same search for more precise results.