Want to search ONLY file names in Windows 7 Explorer?

Anonymous
2011-02-06T06:17:16+00:00

I usually just want to seach for a "word in a file & folder name" -- and often can give a a date range. In Windows 7 Explorer, as soon as I type the word, I get all files that contain the word in the content, as well.  How can I have it search only the file or folder name?

I also don't use "my documents" or "Libraries"...I create my own subfolders -- and generally on a stick drive...so I don't really understand "indexing" or if it's relevant to how I organize my files.

I miss the Windows XP search feature in Windows 7 Explorer!

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

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Anonymous
2011-02-06T06:32:16+00:00

How can I have it search only the file or folder name?

Folder:

foldername:example

Word in name:

name:example

I miss the Windows XP search feature in Windows 7 Explorer!

Let Microsoft know you want Windows Explorers features returned:

Since many people seem to agree that some or all the changes made to Windows Explorer have actually made it less user friendly, you can go to the Windows 7 Feedback page and (politely) let them know your suggestions for improving it:

http://mymfe.microsoft.com/Windows%207/Feedback.aspx?formID=195

Note: don't make the message too long, there is a size limit to your message even though the page doesn't tell you about it.

Have Questions About Installing Windows 7?

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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2011-02-06T18:05:52+00:00

No need for anything complicated.  Just type what you're looking for.  If it's in the filename, those results will be returned first, above any results where your search term isinside the file.  Easy.

Non-indexed locations such as stick drives can still be searched, but take a little more time to search (sort of like XP).

If this solves your issue, click the 'Propose as Answer' link below, and vote as helpful by clicking the green triangle to the lelft. Thanks!

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-08-10T23:33:14+00:00

    Even worse, if the file you are looking for hasn't yet been indexed, it won't appear at all!!!!

    Searching for *2010* did appear to find files with 2010 in the name, even if they hadn't been indexed. However, the idea that Microsoft considers it acceptable not to be able to find a file by name, or part name, in an indexed directory until the indexing programs have had time to update the system is shocking.

    Copying a file from a CD to the hard drive and then wanting to find and use it immediately is a very basic computing operation.  If Microsoft wants people to buy its software, they should demonstrate a willingness to listen to users and fix this totally unacceptable bug.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-08-11T06:32:52+00:00

    Easy?

    It used to work like that, filenames first. But now it's all mixed up, filename matches can be anywhere. But even then, why do I have to wait minutes for all my documents' contents be searched while a simple name search would take a second. I use this on massive text archives and content search really take ages. What a shame for Windows.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-09T17:28:20+00:00

    For what it is worth, in the Windows Explorer search box enter:

      name:* AND NOT type:folder

    to return a list of all filenames and not folders.

    By using View > Choose details... you can select to display (or not) the parent Folder and/or complete Path.

    Also, from another postin another topic, to save the results to a file:

    1 - Open Windows Explorer and search for what you want

    2 - When the search results populate, select all (Ctrl + A)

    3 - Hold the Shift key and Right Click on the search results

    4 - Select "Copy as Path" (this option only shows up when you hold shift before the right click)

    5 - Paste into a notepad window, Excel spreadsheet, etc...

    The results will be formatted as:

    "\path\to\first\item"

    "\path\to\second\item"

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