I am an avid computer user and my PC is always crammed with files and data. Though I keep all my files well-ordered and organized and I count on the improved Windows Search, I sometimes still look for more features, speed, and accuracy. I know it is very annoying when we find that Windows search is not working and we miss some important files or documents in our computer system. What annoys me the most is that I know I saved it, but I can’t locate it even after searching for it in all the expected folders. Fortunately, there are a handful of free desktop search utilities to make it easier for us.
Since it is a very common issue with computer users, I would like to discuss a few desktop search utilities. I am using Search Everything as my Windows search utility but there are a few more desktop search utilities that I would like to mention here in my post.
Windows Search Alternative Tools
Desktop search tools are available in both free as well as paid versions with a variety of shapes and sizes. There are many third-party tools claiming and proving to be better and faster than the Windows search tool. These tools are more functional if compared to Windows’s built-in search tool.
I have listed 5 Windows Search Alternative Tools for Windows 11/10/8/7:
- Everything
- MasterSeeker
- Locate 32
- Listary
- FileSeek.
1] Everything 
Everything is a free Windows desktop search utility that helps to locate files and folders in your computer system. It is a fast tool and works like no other search tools. You can start using ‘Everything’ right after downloading it on your system. Although it won’t search the contents of your stored files, its accuracy and speed are pretty impressive. Void, the developer of ‘Everything’ recently released the new and updated beta version of the tool for the latest Windows versions. I am using this tool for a long and haven’t found any downsides to Everything. It used less than 1MB of my hard drive space and is always up to date.
You can also go a step further and improve the Windows 10 Search experience with EverythingToolbar, which is an add-on for this software.
2] MasterSeeker
MasterSeeker is another free tool, with some added benefits, not found in every such tool. It works with incredible speed. You can also narrow down your search with Master Seeker using directory, Regex and file size. It scans everything on your hard drives such as directories, system folders, and hidden folders and comes up exactly with what you are looking for. In short, it gives you accurate results in real-time. Like most of other desktop search utilities, Mater Seeker also gives you detailed search results with the file name, file size, and complete path. It starts showing the results as you type a word on the search bar of Master Seeker. Download it here.
3] Locate 32
Locate32 is another free desktop search utility that helps you in searching for a file from the folders stored in a database. Although, it is not that popular as compared to ‘Everything and Master Seeker’, is an impressive desktop search utility. This tool saves your file database and then you can locate any file you want using the search form of the tool. It uses the stored database in the search and provides fast results. Available in many languages Locate 32 supports all Windows versions. Download it here.
4] Listary
Freeware Listary is worth adding in the list of Windows search alternative tools. It works from your own Windows Explorer. What I liked about this tool is that it shows a complete tutorial after download, which helps users to understand the interface well. Similar to other such tools, Listary is a find-as-you-type search tool allowing you to search your files in your Windows computer system. A small search dialogue opens and you can search for a file you want. It works fast and brings multiple matches instantly. The program shows accurate results even if you type a part of the file. Listary is also available as a pro version with some additional features. Download it here.
5] FileSeek
FileSeek includes some advanced features. The most advanced feature in FileSeek is that it allows you to sync your searches between computers. It comes with a free 30 day Pro trial license key which turns into a free version automatically after the license key expires in 30 days. If you’d prefer to revert FileSeek to the Free version before the end of the trial, please follow these steps:
- Open the FileSeek Settings window
- Click the License Key tab
- Click the “Change to Free Version”
- Click Apply.
TIP: Fast File Search, FileSearchy, Lookeen Free, Agent Ransack, AnyTXT Searcher and Quick Search are some other freeware you may want to check out.
If you don’t want to use Windows built-in search tools try out one of the five freeware apps mentioned above. All of these tools vary in format and features but are designed to help you in searching.
I tested out a few more desktop search utilities for Windows but didn’t find them worth including in this list. If you know of any other search tools for Windows which are as fast and as effective as these five, do let us know through comments.
What is the best search engine for Windows 11/10?
The in-built search functionality of Windows 11 and Windows 10 is pretty handy. However, if you want more features and options, you can take a look at FileSearchy. This freeware comes with several options to find the specific file you are looking for on your computer.
What is the advanced search tool of Windows 11/10?
There are multiple search tools available for Windows 11 and Windows 10. For example, you can use Everything, MasterSeeker, Listary, FileSeek, etc. On the other hand, you can also use FileSearchy, which is mentioned in this article.
