Windows search function not looking in Downloads?


  1. johnlondon82
    Posts : 1
    Windows 7 64 bit
       New #1

    Windows search function not looking in Downloads?


    Hi there

    Is it a basic feature for windows search to NOT look in the downloads folder? I've tried this from the start menu 'search programmes and files' and also from within 'computer' using the 'search computer' feature. It'll take a day and an age to complete it's search and won't find anything. I've tried it with simple through to complicated file names. I have created a bmp inside the downloads folder and called it abcd, so searching for abcd, *.bmp, ab or cd and so on and so forth...it just doesn't bring it back unless I specifically highlight the downloads folder.

    Now this might seem like a little thing, but I've got a bunch of users who want to save those "crucial milliseconds" that clicking on computer then downloads takes.

    Many thanks

    John

    :)
      My Computer
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  3. Kari
    Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       New #2

    Hi John, welcome to the Seven Forums.

    Are you talking about the default Downloads folder at C:\Users\Username\Downloads? If so, I cannot replicate your issue.

    I did exactly as you told in your post, created a bitmap file named abcd in Downloads folder. As the Downloads folder is by default indexed and Start Menu Search only searches indexed locations, it found the file immediately.

    Explorer Search which searches also the non-indexed locations took a second or so more time but it found the file, too.

    Tested on two Windows 7 Pro virtual machines and one 7 Ultimate desktop.

    Try with filters, for instance kind:image name:abcd.

    Tutorials:

    Kari
      My Computer
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  4. pcunite
    Posts : 194
    Windows 10 x64
       New #3

    Some people find FileSearchEX more intuitive for this task.
      My Computer
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  6. gregrocker
    Posts : 50,642
       New #4

    Make sure the desired search locations are all included, then rebuild Index - Rebuild - Windows 7 Forums
      My Computer
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  7. Kari
    Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       New #5

    gregrocker said:
    Make sure the desired search locations are all included, then rebuild Index - Rebuild - Windows 7 Forums
    +1

    A good tip, it's always clever to re-index if you notice the search does not work as expected.
      My Computer
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