How do I add search filters?

Anonymous
2009-11-12T04:08:15+00:00

When trying to search I click in the search field in my file explorer window. I see "Add a search filter" and a couple options below that "Date Modified" &  "Size" that I can select. How do I add more "clickable" search filters? I can only select those two filters. How do I add more to select?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2009-11-12T22:02:24+00:00

Hello and thank you for your question.

In the explorer search window, you can click on those options you mentioned like “Date Modified” or “Size” to give you a list of even more refined options. For example, if you are in your music folder:

Without clearing the Search box, click Genre in the list of filters, and then click Jazz from the list of dynamic values. Windows Explorer adds Genre to the existing Length filter, allowing you to refine your search further.

*For a downloadable word document on Windows Search Walkthrough, please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=188af621-c80a-4b0c-9629-7fa4949803ae&displaylang=en

Please let me know if you need further assistance!

Lisa

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-09-03T08:33:29+00:00

    I have had the same problem when creating search queries.  I have worked out the solution.  Windows 7 has changed its entire approach which is why it isn't obvious!

    1. Change your view to 'Details'
    2. Hover over a column heading (Name, Date Modified etc.)
    3. Click the drop down arrow to the right hand side.
    4. Check what you want to filter.

    If you want more column choices, right click a column name and choose more.

    In the search dialog, keep the search simple with the filters in place.  You can save the search for future use.

    Hope that helps.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-08-03T18:17:36+00:00

    Its bloody crazy.

    The list of available SEARCH FILTERS (found by unbelivably having to click inside the SEARCH BOX) dont wrap.

    They ARE there but can only be found by expanding the search box size  to  the left till clicking inside it shows them ALL.

    Why MS would eliminate an ADVANCED SEARCH menu beats me!

    Even then to search on a FILE SIZE threshold you are limited to a range list that cannot be customized. Before (in XP) you could enter your own FILE SIZE threshold. 

    MS has gone to "great" lengths to make SEARCH harder!

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-02-10T16:35:41+00:00

    Hi guys,

    The number of search filter options that appears below the search box is constrained by the width of the search box. To see the entire selection, drag the handle between the address bar and the search box to the left.

    Lisa

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-01-06T23:57:53+00:00

    On my Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate system the Add a Search Filter menu item is grayed out. Date Modified and Size are my only options.  I want XP like capability to search a folder (and all children) for all text files with a particular file extension that contain a particular string.  How do I do that?  Thanks

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