To find a file in Windows, select Search on the taskbar and enter a name or keyword, or open File Explorer and search from Home or within a specific folder or drive. If a file does not appear, check whether its location is included in Windows Search indexing.
Find a file with taskbar Search
- Select Search on the taskbar.
- Type the file’s name or a word you expect it to contain.
- Review the results. To narrow them to documents, choose the Documents filter.
Taskbar results can include files on the PC and in OneDrive. What appears depends in part on the available search scope and indexed locations. Microsoft’s guide to finding files and apps in Windows describes this taskbar search.
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Search in File Explorer
File Explorer is useful when you want either a broad search or to limit the search to a known location. Open File Explorer, then choose where to begin:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Search broadly: Start from Home to search for relevant files across the PC and cloud.
- Limit the search: Select a drive or folder, then use the search box. The search covers that location and its child folders.
Enter a filename, part of a filename, or a keyword in the search box. If you know where the file was saved, starting there helps keep the results focused.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Why Windows may not find a file
Windows Search uses an index of files and their properties to help return results. Its indexing mode and included locations affect what has been indexed; not every disk or cloud-only file is necessarily included in every setup.
Check the indexing mode and locations
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows and review the search mode and indexed locations. Microsoft describes two modes: Classic indexes Documents, Pictures, Music, and the desktop by default; Enhanced searches more broadly. You can configure the mode and locations in these settings. Microsoft’s Windows search-indexing guide explains how indexing works.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Try a narrower or broader location
If you started in a particular folder, search from File Explorer Home instead. If you started broadly, search the drive or folder where you believe the file is stored. This changes the search scope; it does not guarantee that an unindexed or unavailable file will appear.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Find a file by name from Command Prompt
For a filename or pattern lookup, Windows includes the where command. It can search recursively through a directory tree. For example, to look for a matching filename on drive C and its subdirectories, use:
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
where /r C: filename-pattern
Replace filename-pattern with the name or pattern you are looking for, then run the command in Command Prompt. The command reports matching file locations; it is a filename-pattern lookup, not a substitute for searching file contents in the graphical interface. See Microsoft Learn’s reference for the where command.
Which search method should you use?
| Method | Search scope | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Taskbar Search | Results can include files on the PC and in OneDrive. | A quick search by filename or keyword, with a Documents filter when useful. |
| File Explorer from Home | Relevant files across the PC and cloud. | A broad search when you do not know the folder. |
| File Explorer from a drive or folder | The selected location and its child folders. | A more focused search when you have a likely location. |
where in Command Prompt |
Matching filenames or patterns; recursive search is available. | A command-line lookup when you know the filename or pattern. |
These methods have different scopes and interfaces. Microsoft does not provide benchmark timings establishing one as universally faster; indexing and the locations searched affect results and responsiveness.
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Microsoft’s file-finding guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; that support-status change does not itself mean file search stops working on a Windows 10 PC. Microsoft’s guide notes the distinction. Interface labels and settings can vary as Windows updates roll out.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
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