Windows 10: How to search for files that contain a text phrase?

how can I search for a file that contains a specified phrase, but may be in any directory or file?

:)

 

Phrase search using File Explorer

I have forgotten a file name, but know the file contains a certain phrase. I used to be able to search office files by looking for files that contain certain text phrases. How do I do this with Windows 10? don't understand why this functionality was lost.

 

Searching for Phrase in File Explorer

I appreciate the tips about Advanced Query Syntax (AQS) but I'm not looking for information about building queries programmatically.

I simply want to enter "a phrase" in the File explorer search box to find documents in a folder containing the phrase.

This basic functionality used to be available in Windows Explorer (Win 7) and is standard in Internet browsers.

Clarification: "a phrase" is a phrase entered with quote (") marks.

 

Phrase search using File Explorer

Hi Yoshiko,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

To assist you better, do let us know if you are trying to locate the phrase from a word document.

Please note that the search bar in file explorer will only look for folders and files and not for contents.

If it is a word document, I would suggest you to try the steps below and check if it helps:

1. Open the document/file.

2. Press Ctrl + F to enable search option.

3. Type the phrase or word you are looking for without the quotes.

4. Check if you are able to locate what you are searching for.

Do let us know if this works. We will be glad to help if you need further assistance.