What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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For finding files by name, Everything is the better fit; for finding words inside documents or searching beyond files, Windows Search is better. They index different kinds of information, so neither is a complete replacement for the other. If both kinds of search matter to you, keep both available.
Choose by what you remember
| What you need to find | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A file or folder from a known or partial name | Everything | It filters indexed file and folder names as you type. voidtools describes it as a filename search engine. |
| A word or phrase inside a supported document | Windows Search | Windows can index content for supported file types. Everything’s content search is not indexed and voidtools says it is slow. Microsoft explains Windows indexing; voidtools covers Everything’s content search. |
| Email, contacts, calendar appointments, photos, multimedia, or other app-managed data | Windows Search | Microsoft documents Windows Search as supporting these and other extensible data types; apps such as File Explorer, Edge, and Outlook use the index in different ways. Microsoft’s Windows Search overview |
| A mapped drive or another non-default folder | Either, after configuration | Windows indexing locations can be customized. Everything can use folder indexing, but the initial scan must finish before those folders are searchable. Microsoft indexing settings; Everything folder indexing |
There is no controlled, current head-to-head benchmark in the cited product documentation, so “better” here means a better match for the kind of query—not a measured speed victory over Windows Search.
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What each tool indexes
Windows Search: names, properties, and optionally content
Windows creates a local index of file properties, including file names and full paths. For supported files that contain text, it can also index the contents, allowing searches for words inside documents. The indexing settings let you choose properties only or properties and content for file types; choosing properties only preserves filename search but excludes content search. You can also customize indexed locations and file types. Microsoft documents these options.
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Windows Search also reaches beyond ordinary file lookup. Microsoft describes support for email, contacts, calendar appointments, documents, photos, multimedia, and extensible data types. File Explorer, Edge, and Outlook are among the apps it identifies as using the index. The exact results depend on the app and what is indexed.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Everything: names and paths, not an indexed content catalog
Everything is built for filename and folder-name lookup: it initially lists indexed items, then filters the results as you type. Its native index covers names rather than file contents, which is why it suits name-led searches but does not provide the same indexed full-text workflow as Windows Search. voidtools’ FAQ explains the product’s search behavior.
Everything does offer a content: search function, but it searches file contents without indexing them; voidtools describes this as slow. That makes it a fallback for an occasional content query, not an equivalent to Windows Search’s content index. voidtools documents search functions.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Coverage and setup: local volumes, removable drives, and network folders
Everything’s native indexing automatically includes fixed NTFS volumes; its current documentation also describes fixed ReFS volume indexing. Removable volumes can be included in settings. For other folders, file systems, or network locations, Everything supports folder indexing or file lists. Folder indexing requires Everything 1.5, and those locations are unavailable to search until the initial scan completes. voidtools says that scan can take minutes, depending on the folder, and that folder indexing is slower than native NTFS indexing. See Everything’s folder-indexing documentation.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFor NTFS indexing, Everything needs either its service or administrator privileges because it requires low-level read access. Installing the service allows the application to run as a standard user. Folder indexing does not require administrator privileges. voidtools explains the service requirement.
Rank #3
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Windows indexing locations are also configurable. For either tool, check whether a particular external, cloud-synced, network, or non-NTFS location is included and let any initial indexing finish. Coverage and responsiveness can differ by location and configuration; do not assume a network share behaves like a local NTFS volume.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you use?
Choose Everything for name-led lookup
- You remember all or part of a filename, extension, or folder name.
- You want to filter a broad collection of locally indexed files and folders while typing.
- Your files are on supported volumes or you are willing to configure folder indexing for other locations.
Choose Windows Search for content and broader Windows results
- You remember a phrase in a supported document but not its filename, and content indexing is enabled for that file type and location.
- You want results that can include email, contacts, calendar items, or app-integrated information.
- You use Windows Search in File Explorer or other apps that draw on its index.
Keep both if you have both workflows
The tools address different search needs. Using Everything for filename lookup does not mean Windows Search’s content indexing or broader app integrations are replaced. This comparison is not a reason to disable Windows Search wholesale.
Rank #4
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Privacy and resource claims
Microsoft says the Windows Search index is stored locally, is not stored by Microsoft, and is not used to train AI models; Microsoft also notes that installed apps may read index data. voidtools says Everything runs offline and collects no telemetry or user data. These are statements from the vendors, not findings from an independent security audit. Microsoft’s indexing FAQ; voidtools’ FAQ.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →On Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft documents semantic indexing alongside traditional indexing for specified document and image formats, with the feature enabled by default on those PCs. This device-specific feature can return related-concept results; it should not be assumed to be available on every Windows computer. Microsoft’s documentation describes the Copilot+ PC qualification.
Quick Recap
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