Let’s say you’re using a Windows PC that serves you very well. You have a beefy CPU, a blistering GPU, and your performance is awesome. But, you aren’t satisfied with your system’s ability to search for the files you want. Oh, isn’t that a pity? Not everything is that black, though. On the internet, you can find many different software that can help you search your PC more efficiently and thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to install some third-party apps as they can drastically enhance your user experience. With that in mind, let’s check our list of 10 best software for searching files on your computer.
1. Everything
Everything is probably the most popular app for searching the files on your PC. If you just Google-search this list, you’ll see that many editors have put this list on the top and it isn’t like that for no reason. This software is here to give you an experience of your life, providing you with the simplicity and the ease of use you can only dream of. The great feature is that the searching is being done as you type, so no need to press Enter to display the results. On top of that, the software comes with an FTP and HTTP server, so accessing the networked computers is easy. Oh, and it’s free!
2. AstroGrep
AstroGrep represents a proper alternative to grepWin, which some may find a bit complex. If you don’t like grepWin, AstroGrep is here to show you almost the same capabilities, with less effort. Unlike many software, AstroGrep locates files according to your search query, strictly by content. Also, you can choose which type of file you want to search for, which is a great addition. AstroGrep is still undergoing some updates and the future is bright for this app.
3. Exselo Desktop
You may be wondering why Exselo Desktop is even on our list. Well, you may not have heard of this app, but it doesn’t mean it’s great. In fact, this is a pretty good software that sports a nice interface and has a powerful search engine in itself. As such, this software can help you search through the local drives, as well as your Cloud space and network. For those using the Outlook app, it’s nice to know that Exselo is efficiently integrated here. Finally, we have both paid and free versions, and you don’t really need the first one as it includes just the support for multiple users.
4. Duplicate File Finder
Duplicate File Finder is an app that’s a bit different than the rest apps we’ve mentioned. With the aforementioned apps, you can easily search your PC, but this one allows you to find duplicate files and delete them. This is great if you’re downloading a lot of MP3 files or simply want to optimize your PC to give you the best performance. Once you find the duplicates, the software will politely ask you whether you want to delete them or not. It’s simple, effective, and most importantly, it’s FREE.
5. File Finder
File Finder is a compact software that doesn’t even need to be installed in order to work! Its simplistic interface will definitely help you in your search for the files, even if you don’t know the names. I found this app useful when I had messy and unorganized files scattered throughout my HDD drives. Also, the search is performed on each keystroke, so you won’t even have to press Enter as the search is being done as you type. Overall, this is an app that’s one of my favorites.
6. Copernic Desktop Search
Copernic is a company that’s here with us for quite some time. At the time, their Desktop Search software was pretty ground-breaking and today… well, it’s nothing less! Copernic Desktop Search is a tiny app that allows you to search for anything you want on your PC and it comes in a free version that’s enough for the basic home use. You can also pay a bit more for the paid version and this one is pretty advanced. However, I don’t think you’ll ever need that but it’s great to know, isn’t it?
7. SearchMyFiles
SearchMyFiles sounds like a simple app that has no potential whatsoever. But, don’t let this silly name fool you. This software allows you to search for anything from simple to more complex stuff and with a learning curve that’s a bit uphill. Once you master that, you’ll feel like a CIA agent as you search for the deepest secrets of your computer. The best of all is that the app is portable so you won’t even have to install it.
8. Looken
Looken is very similar to Everything in terms of capabilities. This app offers a full-fledged solution for your searching instinct and it does it with a blazing-fast speed! Aside from the file name, you can narrow your search by certain file types and even edit them directly. Furthermore, you can use Looken to search external drives, which is great if you have a huge external HDD or a USB stick that’s full of data.
9. Registry Finder
You’ve probably heard about Registry Finder that’s very similar to “regedit” function we have on our computers. This free software is amazing when it comes to searching for your files as well as fixing some registry errors that can greatly impact your PC. Aside from that, it’s easy to use and gives you some insight on your PC’s changes and modifications. I would say this is a superior free app.
10. Wise JetSearch
The last, but not the least, we have an app called Wise JetSearch. If you want to search wisely and do it in a jet-like speed, you can use this app freely! JetSearch is simple to use simply because it allows you to thoroughly search your drive by selecting it and putting in some keywords if needed. The results usually come out pretty fast and with lots of details in them. The only downside is lack of any advanced filters which can sometimes decrease the reliability of this app.