How to speed up file search in Windows 11
To speed up file search in Windows 11, check its indexing locations first. For files across your drives as you type, install Everything and turn on Search files with Everything in Glassline, which keeps apps, files and settings in one Search.
Check Windows indexing first
Indexing helps Windows find files faster. Windows can now add frequently used folders to its index automatically.
- Open Windows Settings. Choose Privacy & security, then Search.
- Check Automatically find additional relevant locations. Leave it on, or turn it on if it is off. You need to be signed in as an administrator to change it.
- Try your file search again. Windows uses the added folders for subsequent search results.
This setting expands indexing around the folders you use most. Glassline adds files from across your drives to its Search through Everything.
Connect Everything to Glassline
- Install Glassline from the Microsoft Store. Open it. Glassline replaces the taskbar and Start menu with its menu bar, dock and Search.
- Install Everything from voidtools.com. Open it and leave it running while you use Glassline Search.
- Open Glassline Settings. Right-click the menu bar and choose Glassline Settings, then open Search.
- Turn on Search files with Everything. With Everything installed and running, Glassline finds files on your drives as you type.
- Turn on Show the preview. Search shows a panel on the right with details and an Open button for the selected result.
Keep Everything running for this search to work.
Find your file
- Press the Windows key. Glassline Search opens.
- Type part of a file name you know. Matching files appear as you type. Try a document or photo you often need.
- Select the file. With Show the preview turned on in Glassline Settings, under Search, the panel on the right shows details and an Open button.
- Choose Open. Glassline opens the selected file.
Put files first
If files are what you usually look for, give them the first places in the list.
- Return to Glassline Settings. Open Search and find Result order.
- Move Files above Applications. Use the arrows to put file results first.
- Turn on Learn from what I open. Results you choose often move up in later searches. What Search learns stays on your PC.
The Windows key still opens the same Search for apps and settings. You can also type a web address, a sum or a unit conversion there, so finding a file fits into the same habit.
