When it comes to finding files, programs, and folders within Windows, the Windows Search tool is a time saver. Can you imagine how long it would take to find all the stuff on your PC manually? Some of us don’t even know where half of the files are on our PC at any given time.
You may not know this, but all versions of Windows support quite a few ways to launch and use Windows Search. Below, we have listed the different methods to do it in detail. All the methods are simple and work for both Windows 10 and 11.
1. How to use Windows search on the taskbar
The easiest and fastest way to use Windows Search in Windows 10 and 11 is through the search icon located on the taskbar. In Windows 10, you’ll find a search bar next to the Windows icon in the left corner of the taskbar.
In Windows 11, the taskbar features a search icon next to the Windows icon that you can click. Doing so opens a window where you can type your query and press Enter to perform your search.
In case you cannot find the search bar/icon on your taskbar, there is a possibility that the feature is disabled in Windows settings. If this scenario is applicable, follow the steps below to enable search in Windows 10 and 11.
1. Windows 10
If you are using Windows 10:
- Right click on the taskbar and select Search.
- Click on show search box.
If this doesn’t work, launch the Settings app by pressing Victory + i keys together. To choose Personalization from the list of available options, and then click taskbar. Turn off the lever to Use small taskbar buttons. In case your taskbar is not displayed at the bottom, set the Taskbar Location on-screen option to Down.
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2. Windows 11
Alternatively, if you’re on Windows 11:
- press the Victory + i keys to open Windows Settings.
- To choose Personalization from the left panel.
- Click on taskbar.
- In the next window, head over to the taskbar items section and enable the option to Search.
Now you should be able to see the search icon and use it without any problem. If the error persists, head over to our dedicated fixes guide to test if the search bar isn’t showing on your taskbar.
Another way to use Windows Search is through the Start menu. To do this, simply click the Windows icon on the taskbar, type your search query in the search field, and click one of the available options. If you don’t see a search bar, start typing anyway; Windows should realize what you want to do and display a search bar for you to type.
This works for Windows 10 and 11 in the same way.
3. How to open Windows search with a keyboard shortcut
Using dedicated keyboard shortcuts on your Windows PC is the fastest way to perform the desired actions. Did you know that you can assign a keyboard shortcut to every program installed on your Windows PC? And that you can even use a keyboard shortcut to enable and disable Windows dark mode?
Similarly, you can use the Victory + yes shortcut to launch the search dialog in Windows 10 and 11.
Enhance your Windows search experience
Now you know the different ways to start Windows Search in both Windows 10 and 11. Next time you need to find something on your PC, don’t search alone; instead, let Windows do all the heavy lifting for you.
You can also try installing a similar third party tool if you want more advanced level functionality and indexing tools. Quick search and ultra search by tree size are just two of those options that you can consider getting.
