Windows 10: specific date search option or date picker is not available in Windows 11 File Explorer

Edition - Windows 11 Pro, Version - 23H2, Os Build - 22631.4751

:)

 

Using File Explorer to search by date range

I rarely use File Explorer because I find it one of the least user-friendly facilities I've ever come across. But now I need to search a folder and its sub-folders for all files created or modified between 2 particular dates. My experience thus far is:

• I want to search 'Current folder' and 'All subfolders', but only one can be selected -- I presume 'All subfolders' includes the current folder, but that's not what the words say;
  
• under "Date modified", I tried 'Last year' and 'Last month' to see how they worked -- both searches brought up 1 file only, when I know there are many files that fit each of those parameters!
  
• a search of Microsoft Community elicited several references to a calendar appearing when 'Date modified' is selected -- but no such calendar has ever appeared for me!
  
• so, based on other Microsoft Community suggestions, I tried searching for 'modified:15/11/21-5/1/22' -- nil result, even though many files were created or modified within that range!
  

So, my questions are:

1. How do I get File Explorer to work properly for 'Last year' or for a selected date range?
   
2. Are there any non-Microsoft file explorer apps that are more user-friendly (ie, easier to use) than MS File Explorer?
   

Thank you in anticipation.

 

why is the windows 11 file explorer modified date search option so hidden?

Why is the Windows 11 file explorer modified date search option so hidden? It used to be easy to enter a modified date range search. Now in Windows 11 it seems limited but one you get the unknown command, then all these other options show up. Recommend to show all these options on the first menu so we know the capabilities of the search. It would be much easier.

 

How do I search files in Windows 10 with a specific date range

In File Explorer:

1. Select the folder you wish to search.

2. Left-click on the Search box at the far top right of the File Explorer address bar line. This will display the various additional search options ribbon at the top.

3. Click on the "Date Modified" icon and select "Today".

4. Again left-click in the "Search" box on the word "today". (Make sure you click there and nowhere else in the box). This will bring up the Calendar.

5. In the Calendar, click the beginning date for your search. Files for that date (if any) will be listed. The Calendar should still be open.

6. Holding the "Shift" key, click on the ending date for your search. Now all the files in that date range should now be listed.

What a royal PITA. There is no documentation as to how this works. I just found it by trial and error. You need to select the beginning date without the shift key, otherwise it brings up everything from the date you selected to today's date.

Microsoft, why did you not have specific date and date range options as part of the Date Modified drop down?????????????

JohnD