How do I search "My PC",

Jack Jacobs 0 Reputation points
2026-09-17T00:17:16.47+00:00

Best way to search "My PC" including the register that references a specific program on a newer PC Windows 11 OS? Understanding this would be a long search would the PC keep the displayed results if I didn't return for hours after it had completed?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-17T00:17:29.63+00:00

    To search your whole PC in Windows 11:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. In the left pane, select This PC.
    3. Use the Search This PC box in the upper-right corner.
    4. Enter the file name, app name, or a keyword.

    For a slower but more thorough file search, searching from This PC is the recommended path instead of Home.

    If the goal is to improve search speed and coverage:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Privacy & security > Search.
    3. Under Find my files, choose:
      • Classic to index common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop.
      • Enhanced to index the entire PC.

    If files are stored outside the default indexed locations, Enhanced or Customize search locations can help include them.

    If search is not finding expected files, the Search and Indexing troubleshooter is available:

    1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Search.
    2. Under Related settings, select Advanced indexing options.
    3. Select Advanced.
    4. Select Troubleshoot search and indexing.

    For text inside files, File Explorer search from This PC can be used, and one accepted Microsoft Q&A answer notes that Indexing Options > Advanced > File Types can be set to Index properties and file contents.

    The context does not provide support for searching the Windows Registry as part of a full-PC search, and it does not state whether File Explorer search results remain displayed unchanged after leaving the PC for hours.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Manoel Barros 21,815 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-17T01:09:23.05+00:00

    Hi!

    When you search from "This PC," the system looks for files and folders across the entire computer. Because the search scope is so broad, it takes significantly longer to complete.

    However, it does not search the Registry. Registry entries can only be searched using the Registry Editor. If you are looking for a specific registry entry, you should search for it within the Registry Editor: press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Ctrl + F to search. Each program stores its registry entries in different locations. If you are unfamiliar with the Registry Editor, do not modify it, as any improper changes could damage your Windows installation.

    Regarding how long the results remain visible, they stay displayed as long as the window remains open. If you close the window, you will have to perform the search again. Only the search history is saved.

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  3. _AW_ 69,216 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-17T01:20:12.57+00:00

    To quickly search files, use Everything. To quickly search the registry use RegCool. Both are free to use.

    Everything - https://www.voidtools.com/

    RegCool - https://kurtzimmermann.com/regcool_en.html

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