Windows 10: How to search for exact match in file contents?

Is it possible to specify an exact match when searching for text within the contents of files? I am trying to use the search bar in the upper right corner of Windows Explorer to search for an exact text string in a folder full of PDFs and have tried the following methods based on my search results:

1. enclosing the search phrase in double quotes
2. enclosing the search phrase in double quotes and repeating it (e.g. "foo" "foo")
3. prefixing the search phrase enclosed in double quotes with "content:" (without the double quotes)

In each case, Windows returns the logical OR of the search results rather than an exact match. If I right click on the folder and go to "Advanced", the "Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties" is checked. How do I perform an exact match search on the contents of files?

Another possibly related thing I've noticed is that if I go to Control Panel -> "Indexing Options" -> "Modify", the folder I'm searching in doesn't have a checkmark next to it in the "Indexed Locaitons" window, even though Windows is clearly able to read the files' contents when searching.

submitted by /u/hudson4351
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:)

 

Search Content of MHT files

Hi David,

Most probably, this is a problem with the search and indexing of your Windows 10 computer. For us to provide the best resolution possible, we would like to clarify the following:

• Are you trying to search the content of MHT files using Cortana?
• Have you tried searching it using the File Explorer?
• Are you using a third-party app to search for the content of MHT files?

As an initial troubleshooting step, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter for search and indexing. To run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter, follow these steps:

• Click the Start button and select the Settings
  icon.
• Choose Update & Security from the list.
• Click Troubleshoot in the left pane of the window.
• Under Find and fix other problems.
• Select Search and Indexing and click Run the troubleshooter.

We'll keep an eye out for your response.

 

Windows 10 - How to search an exact phrase in file contents?

To search for an exact phrase within a file, type “content:” and then the word/phrase. For example,
content:”feet smell like scallions”

 

Windows 10 - How to search an EXACT PHRASE in file contents

When searching file contents for an exact phrase by using quotes such as "site assessment" the search results include
all files that contain the words "site" or "assessment" and not the exact phrase.

How do you limit the search results to exactly what is typed in quotes? Need help ASAP!!! Thank you!