Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Windows Search

Free#20 of 57 in Desktop Search SoftwareCalculators

Windows Search: A built-in Windows search tool for local files, apps, settings, and OneDrive results. Ranked #20 of 57 in Desktop Search Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users wanting built-in PC and OneDrive search.

6.9/10Editor score
Visit Microsoft
Windows Search6.9 Visit Microsoft

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.9 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Windows users wanting built-in PC and OneDrive search
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Content search
    Yes
  • Facts checked
    23 Sep 2026
Windows Search screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Search from the taskbar, Start menu, or File Explorer.
    • Index file names, paths, and properties, with optional content indexing.
    • Can surface OneDrive results and synced Outlook email.

  • Where it doesn't

    • Available only on Windows.
    • Content search depends on indexing being enabled for supported file types.
    • Index locations and coverage depend on the selected indexing mode and settings.

Our verdict on Windows Search

Windows Search is the built-in search feature for Windows PCs, aimed at people who want to find local files, apps, and settings without a separate search product. It is available from the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, where users can search within a selected folder or drive. The feature is included with Windows rather than sold as a separately priced product, so it suits individuals and organizations already using Windows who want a search layer within the operating system.

Its scope extends beyond filenames. Windows indexes file names, paths, and properties on the device, and can search file contents when content indexing is enabled for a supported file type. Users can choose Classic or Enhanced indexing and select locations; coverage therefore depends on the mode and folders chosen. Search can also return OneDrive results, and apps such as Outlook can add synced email to the index. On Copilot+ PCs, semantic indexing is available for supported file types. Buyers should regard these capabilities as options within Windows Search, not assume every location or content type is indexed by default.

The product’s strength is close fit with Windows workflows: searches can start in several familiar places and span indexed local content, OneDrive results, and Outlook email when configured. That makes it a sensible choice for Windows users seeking everyday device search, especially where existing Microsoft services matter. It is less suitable for anyone needing a cross-platform desktop search tool, or for users who require consistent full-content coverage without adjusting indexing settings. Documentation is the listed support channel, so people who need another support route may prefer a separately supported search product.

Your product? Our editors can test Windows Search in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Windows Search pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on microsoft.com

Windows Search fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Supported platformsWindows
Index locationsLocal PC folders and files; PC drives; OneDrive results; selectable folders or entire PC depending on indexing mode
Content searchYes
Email searchYes
Message searchNot verified
OCR searchNot verified
Indexed-item limitNot verified
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows
SupportDocs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations2 integrations: OneDrive, Outlook
PricingFree plan
Websitemicrosoft.com
Facts checked23 Sep 2026

Windows Search integrations

Windows Search lists 2 integrations on its own site.

  • OneDrive
  • Outlook

Alternatives to Windows Search

See all Windows Search alternatives →

Also Ranked In

Windows Search is ranked in 2 of our directories.

Used Windows Search? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Windows Search for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Your rating

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Posted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Windows Search 6.9/10

Windows Search is listed in our Desktop Search Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/windows-search/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/windows-search.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated · How we research and update