Windows Explorer’s search function is not only used to find files and folders, but it can also be optimized with various options for refining the search results. By using additional search options, users can restrict the results to files of a specific size or with user-defined properties. The search index helps to catalog file names and content, making search queries faster and more efficient. Windows 10 and Windows 11 also offer options to narrow down search results and select search criteria such as modification date and file type.
Editing the properties of files can be useful for customizing metadata such as camera manufacturer, exposure time, and GPS data for image files. Users can also edit metadata for other file types to enhance search capabilities and display information in Windows Explorer. Changes to metadata can be made in programs such as Microsoft Office or Libre Office, with the ability to sort and display properties in Windows Explorer.
Customizing settings for index creation allows users to manage which folders are included in the search index. The Windows search mode can be set to “Classic” to include only specific folders, or “Advanced” to extend the search to the entire PC. Detailed settings allow users to modify the index and choose whether to index encrypted files or file contents. The Everything search tool offers real-time search across all hard drives and is significantly faster than the Windows search index, making it a useful alternative for finding files on the hard drive.
File transfer options such as network shares, Bluetooth, and WLAN can be used for transferring files to other devices. The share function in Windows allows for convenient file transfers between nearby devices. By activating Bluetooth and WLAN or Ethernet, users can quickly transfer files to other devices using the share function in Windows.
