Windows 10: Using Cortana to search your system

I find that the Cortana search for files on your computer seems to be very limited. You can search for documents (.txt, .pdf, or Office docs) but it seems no other file types. If I search for .bat files, it gives me .txt., .xlsx, .csv files. You can search for folders, but you might not find it or get a complete list. I am using a local account so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. Anyone else notice this? I have a 3rd party program that does a much better job.

JohnD

:)

 

Is there a way to PERMANENTLY remove Cortana without the use of a sledge hammer?

Cortana is part of the operating system and cannot be removed.

There are people on the internet who claim to be able to remove Cortana, but what they're really doing is breaking the operating system, which will come back to haunt them.

Nobody forces you to use Cortana. I don't use Cortana. Simply search the web for how
to disable cortana.

BTW: You paid for your computer, but you licensed your operating system.

 

Unable to launch Microsoft Photos

Type Photos into Cortana Search, if the Photos app is on your system, it will find it.

If Cortana Search finds the app, right click it and choose 'Pin to Start'

 

Absolutely right. Cortana, in searching files and folders, as I've posted several times recently in the range of questions asked about search is
a. Limited to what's been indexed by Windows search
b. does not find executables (exe, bat, cmd....)

It's also rather inelegant to configure to only do such a search.

Recommendations (freeware):
Ultrasearch
Everything (Void tools)
Locate32

Instant results, very fast index of all disks/partitions.

 

Thanks dalchina,

I have installed Ultrasearch. It is excellent. It even beats File Explorer's search.

JohnD

 

...another convert! The only thing better about Windows indexed search is it can be configured to index content of some file types.