How to Search for File Names Only in Windows 11 File Explorer

Searching for files efficiently can significantly enhance your productivity, especially when dealing with a large volume of documents. However, Windows 11 File Explorer may sometimes return results that include the content within files, rather than narrowing down searches to file names only. If you’ve experienced this and want to refine your searches to target file names exclusively, follow the steps outlined below.

Understanding the Search Functionality

By default, the search feature in Windows 11 File Explorer might not differentiate between file names and file contents. This can lead to frustration, particularly if you have a common term that appears in many files, resulting in overwhelming results. To streamline your search and find exactly what you need, you can adjust your search settings to focus solely on file names.

Steps to Search by File Name Only

1. Open File Explorer: Begin by launching File Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the folder icon in your taskbar or pressing Windows + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the Correct Location: Go to the folder where you want to perform the search. If you want to search your entire computer, select “This PC” on the left sidebar.
3. Access the Search Bar: At the top right corner of File Explorer, you’ll find the search bar. This is where you can enter your search queries.
4. Type Your Search Term: Enter the term you’re searching for in the search bar, like “client.” However, before you hit Enter, make sure to adjust the search settings.
5. Modify Search Options: Click on the drop-down arrow at the end of the search bar or go to the “Search” tab that appears at the top after you start typing. Within the “Search options” section, uncheck any options related to searching for “File contents.” Ensure that only the selection for “File names” or similar is active.
6. Utilize the Search Syntax: If the basic settings still do not yield file names only, you can try advanced search syntax. Typing name:client in the search box will tell Windows to look for files with “client” in the file name specifically.
7. Review the Results: After executing the search, review the displayed results. You should now see a more refined list populated with files that contain “client” strictly in their names.

Additional Tips

• Use Wildcards: If you have a partial name, use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard. For instance, searching *client* will return all files with “client” anywhere in their name.
• Filter by File Type: If you’re looking for a specific file type, add the file extension. For example, client*.docx would show only Word documents that start with “client.”
• Rebuild Search Index: If you encounter persistent issues, it may help to rebuild your search index. You can do this through the Control Panel under “Indexing Options.” Access advanced settings and click “Rebuild.”

By following these steps, you can effectively search for files by their names only in Windows 11, avoiding the clutter of content matches. This allows for a smoother and more targeted user experience when navigating your files.