For those who don’t know, Search in windows is one of the most-used features of any modern operating system. The very nature of the desktop computer means that most of the time, we have to use the computer to work and do our schoolwork, and so we have to search for all kinds of files, apps, and websites. The more we use the operating system, the more we learn about it, and the more specific we can get in our searches.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to search in Microsoft Windows 10 and 11. And yes, it’s that difficult. We’ll also teach you how to find what you’re looking for in the operating system and the best tools for searching. If you’re ready, let’s begin.

How to Search in Microsoft Windows 10 and 11

For searching in Microsoft Windows 10 and 11, we’ll be looking at how to use the Search bar, Cortana assistant, and the Command Prompt. Now, for the most part, the Search bar should be your go-to for searching in either version of the operating system. The search bar is easily accessible in the Start menu and in the Cortana assistant. The Command Prompt is a great option for those who need to do some file or system management, but it shouldn’t be your only option.

Now, let’s get to it.

Use the search bar

If you’ve used a computer before, you’ve probably used the Search feature. The search bar is located in the Start menu and in the Cortana assistant. In the start menu, the bar appears on the far left. When you right-click on the Start button, you’ll see the bar appear on the far right.

The search bar lets you search for files, apps, and websites. You can also use the search bar to type in queries that search the web to see related searches, popular searches, and trending searches. You can also use the search bar to perform system maintenance, such as making backups, cleaning up files, and removing unneeded files.

To search using the Start menu, go to the Start menu, then right-click on the start orb, then select “Search”.

To search using the Cortana assistant, open the Cortana app, tap the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner, then search for “Search”.

To search using the Command Prompt, type “search.” This will open the Search prompt where you can enter a query.

Use the Cortana assistant

The Cortana assistant is a feature of Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 that lets you perform tasks and look up information using your voice. If you’re looking for an easier way to search than typing, you should definitely give the Cortana assistant a try.

To use the assistant, open the Cortana app on your computer, then tap the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner.

Once the assistant opens, speak your query to perform your search. You can also swipe right on the touchpad or right-click on the Cortana icon on the taskbar to access additional commands, such as removing items from your computer, sending texts, and more.

If you’d rather use the keyboard, you can press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Cortana window, then you can use the arrow keys to navigate the assistant, press enters to perform your query, and use escape to close the assistant.

Use Cortana’s desktop application

If you like using the Cortana assistant on a computer that you don’t have connected to the internet, you can use the Cortana app on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 laptop or desktop computer. The desktop application for Cortana lets you use their assistant even when you’re not connected to the internet, so it’s a handy tool for when you’re on the go but still need to use the computer.

First, you’ll need to download the Cortana desktop application from the Microsoft Store. Once you’ve done that, open the application once and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Now, you can use the assistant just like you would using the mobile app, except you’re using the full power of a bigger computer.

Use Spotlight search

Spotlight search is one of the most basic ways to search your computer. It’s quick, easy, and always available to your right-click on the Start button. By default, Spotlight is set to search the web. To change this, open the “Search online” link on the left side of the search box.

This link lets you choose what you want to search. You can change which files you want to search, which apps you want to search, or even which websites you want to search.

You can also search for files or even delete files that you don’t want on your computer.

Use the Command Prompt

The command prompt is a way to run commands and perform file or system management on your computer. If you want to manage files or apps or run a command in them, you can do so through the command prompt.

To open the command prompt, type “cmd” in the Start menu or search box and select “Command Prompt” from the menu that appears. When you open the command prompt, type “search” and press enter.

Now, you can perform a search in the command prompt by typing the query, then pressing enter. This will open the search prompt where you can enter a query.

You can also search for files or delete files by using the search prompt.

Install a different search engine

As we mentioned before, the Search bar is great for searching your computer, but it’s not the only way to search. You can also install a different search engine on your computers, such as DuckDuckGo or StartPage.

To do this, go to the search bar, type “search engine” into the search bar, then select “Manage search engines” from the menu that appears. Then, select a search engine from the provided list.

Now, when you want to search the internet, you can use the search engine that you selected.

Use the Registry Editor

A registry editor is a tool that allows you to make changes to your computer’s registry files. This is a great way to find specific information about your computer, such as what programs are running in the background, what files are being deleted, and more. To open the registry editor, type “Regedit” in the search bar, then select “Regedit” from the menu that appears.

Now, open the “Software” key, then the “Windows” key. From here, you can look up specific information about your computers such as running processes, files, and more.

Conclusion

The search feature is a very important part of the Windows operating system. It allows you to find files, apps, and websites on your computer. It also helps you locate missing files.

For beginners, it is difficult to find the right search feature. Luckily, we’ve given you some great tips on how to search in Windows 10 and 11.