You're often likely to be looking for a file that you know is in a particular folder or library, such as Documents or Pictures. Browsing for the file might mean looking through hundreds of files and subfolders. To save time and effort, use the search box at the top of the open window.
The search box in a folder or library
The search box filters the current view based on text that you type. The search looks for text in the file name and contents; and in the file properties, such as in tags. In a library, the search includes all folders included in the library as well as subfolders within those folders.
To search for a file or folder by using the search box:
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Type a word or part of a word in the search box.
As you type, the contents of the folder or library are filtered to reflect each successive character you type. When you see the file that you want, stop typing.
For example, suppose your Documents library looks like this:
Documents library before typing in the search box
Now, suppose that you're looking for your invoice files, so you type "invoice" in the search box. As you type, the view is automatically filtered and you see something like this:
Documents library after typing "invoice" in the search box
You can also use other techniques in the search box to quickly narrow down a search. For example, if you're searching for a file based on one or more if its properties (such as a tag or the date the file was last modified), you can use search filters to specify the property in your search. Or, you can type keywords in the search box to narrow down your results even further. To learn how to use search filters and keywords, see Advanced tips for searching in Windows.
