How to Search forText Inside ofAny File Using WindO'INS Search
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Many of us rely on Windows Search to find files and launch programs, but searching for text within files is limited to
specific filetypes by default. Here's how you can expand your search to include other text based files.
We have shown you some advanced search operators usinB' Windows Search before and even how to change wbich files
are jndexed and how to rebyjld yoyr search jndex. But what about searching for text inside of .html, .pbp, .js, and other
text based web and scripting files? Windows search also allows you to include other file extensions with a few simple clicks.
This should work on Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista the same way. The screens might look a little different but it's the same
process on all versions.
Searching For Text Inside of a File
First, go to your control panel and open the indexing options. The easiest way to find it is to just search for "indexing" in the
search box.
u •l~ • Control Panel •
n Indexing Options
tl:t;; Change how Windows searchetJ
Now click on advanced and then file types in the new window.
Advanced Options
Index Settings I File Types I
I Modify II (I',.IAdvonced I ExW1sion Filter Description
How does 1nde>ano affe:t garcbcs' ~~ 386 File Properties filter
l'il 3g2 File Properties filter
Troubleshoot search anj !!J!Ium ~3oP Fie Properties filter
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And the extension af the file you would like to search the contents of and then click on the Index properties and ftle
contents rad io button at the bottom afthe window.
The filter description column should automatically changed to whatever filter is used to open that filetype by default.
PW>TextRter
,..... ...... Cll
How shotAd this file be indexed?
0 Index e<operties Only
~ndex Properties and File ~ontents
If the flletype you are looking for Is not In the list It means you do not have a program set as the default handler for that
flletype. You can add the extension to the list and by default Windows Search will use a plain text filter to search the file
contents.
How should this file be indexed?
tJ Index eroperties Only
@ Index Properties and Fde 'on tents
Add new extension to ist:
~ ~
If you search for text Inside one af the new ftletypes It should now show up In your search results, once the Index Is
done being rebuilt.
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Save search Burn ~; • Ei 8
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__j movies.txt
C:\ Users\jlgarrison
-
Ifyou'd like to always search within file contents for a specific folder, navigate to the folder you want search contents for
and click organize then folder and search opdons.
Organize ..,
Copy
0 Paste
Undo
Redo
Select all
id layout
Folder and search options
~
Delete
Clidc on the search tab and then click the always search file names and contents radio button.
Folder O ptions
General I_View J Search 1
1 -----------1
What to search
f) In indexed locations. search file names and contents.
In non.tndexed locations. search file names only.
f!!l(_I'Jways search tile names and contents Ohls might take
~everal minutes)
The Index will need to be rebuilt again and once It's done your searches will automatically look In file content.
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