Windows 10: Wat is the syntax of search strings in File Explorer's search box?

File Explorer has a search box in the upper right. If I type the string ~* then it doesn't just search for filenames starting with tilde. Somehow I found that I can type file:~"*~*" and it finds all filenames containing a tilde. But tomorrow I might want to search for something else.


However, I cannot find documentation of the syntax of the string that can be typed into the search box. I've found other threads asking the same question but I haven't found an answer.


By the way the reason for today's search is that Windows 10 knew I wasn't active when it did a Windows Update and rebooted, and it kindly provides this simple intuitive friendly method of reopening all the documents I had open in Microsoft Word. But what is the full syntax of the filename search string, and syntaxes of other attributes such as date ranges and other search criteria?

:)

 

File Explorer search syntax

There is no complete, official reference that I've ever found. The closest is this:

Advabced Quert Syntax

But even that is incomplete.

Here are key concepts I've learned:

• If serching for names with special characters normally used in search syntax, the text must me enclosed in quotes:

Code:

[b]name:"(8).txt"[/b]

• But if you try the above with wildcards, you'll be disappointed. For wildcards to be used within quoted strings, you have to use a tilde ':~':

Code:

[b]name:~"*(*)*" <- any item with parentheses in name.[/b]

• To search for empty properties, use empty square brackets:

Code:

[b]ext:.jpg DateTaken:[][/b]

• You can narrow Search Results to a specific folder or sub-folder by including
  FolderName in your search:

Code:

[b]ext:.jpg DateTaken:[] FolderName:Charlie[/b]

I think I've covered the most common needs. Happy to follow-up if you have more spedific questions.

Keith

 

Search syntax for "folders containing specific file types" ??

Thanks Lance. Most of that I know already. I was asking for syntax to specifically find folders containing a certain file type i.e. photos.

For instance a search string that would in effect request: "List all folders on drive D containing photos" or "List all folders on drive D containing videos" and have just the folders containing those files, not the files themselves, listed in the results.

 

File Explorer Search Not Working


I am trying to search in File Explorer (Windows Explorer, My Computer) and it will not find anything. I can copy text from a name in the list and paste it in the search box and it still finds nothing. I have looked at the suggestions that have been posted and nothing I find that is relative to this works. Anyone have any suggestions? I am running Win 10 Pro on an I3 coustom desktop computer.