Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsEverything is the better choice when you know a file or folder name; Windows Search is better when you need to find words inside supported files or search broader Windows and app data. They serve different jobs, so keeping both available makes sense if you use both kinds of search.
Which should you use?
| Your search need | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Find a file by a known or partial filename | Everything | It filters indexed file and folder names as you type. |
| Find a word or phrase inside a supported document | Windows Search | Windows can index supported file contents; Everything’s content search is unindexed and slow. |
| Search email, contacts, calendar items, or other app data | Windows Search | Windows Search supports a wider set of Windows and app-managed data. |
| Search additional folders or network locations | Either, with configuration | Both support customization, but coverage depends on the location and indexing setup. |
How Windows Search works
Windows Search builds a local index of file properties. By default, that includes names and full paths; for supported files with text, it can also index contents so you can search for words inside documents. Microsoft describes the index as local to the device, not stored by Microsoft or used to train AI models, while noting that installed apps may read index data. These are Microsoft’s product and privacy statements, not an independent security audit. Microsoft’s Windows Search indexing FAQ explains the feature and its scope.
Content indexing is configurable
For supported file types, Windows can index properties only or properties and content. Properties-only indexing still supports filename searches but not searches for words inside files. Excluding contents can reduce index size, with the trade-off that some files may be harder to find. You can customize indexed locations and file types in Windows settings; see Microsoft’s instructions for search indexing for the options available to your Windows version.
It reaches beyond documents
Windows Search can cover data such as email, contacts, calendar appointments, photos, multimedia, and other extensible data types. Microsoft identifies File Explorer, Edge, and Outlook among the apps that use the index in different ways. On Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft also documents semantic indexing for specified document and image formats, including related-concept results. That semantic feature is specific to Copilot+ PCs and should not be assumed on every Windows computer. Microsoft’s Windows Search documentation describes the platform and device-specific capabilities.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How Everything works
Everything is a Windows file-search utility from voidtools, designed to locate files and folders by name. It initially displays indexed files and folders, then filters the list as you type. voidtools describes it as an offline utility with no telemetry or user-data collection and calls it freeware. Those are vendor claims, not findings from an independent privacy or security audit. See the Everything FAQ for its features and operating details.
Its strength is filename lookup
Use Everything when you remember all or part of a filename, extension, or folder name and want to narrow a large local collection. Its index covers names, not the text inside files. This makes it a focused companion to Windows Search, not a full replacement for Windows’ broader search functions.
Rank #2
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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Content search is possible, but not indexed
Everything has a content: search function, but it does not index file contents; the vendor says searching content this way is slow. For frequent searches inside supported documents, Windows Search is the more practical fit. The distinction is documented in the Everything FAQ.
Indexing locations and setup
What each tool can find depends on where the files live and whether that location has been indexed. Do not assume that a network share, removable drive, cloud folder, or non-NTFS location behaves like a local indexed volume.
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Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Everything’s local-volume indexing
Everything automatically indexes fixed NTFS volumes; its current documentation also describes indexing fixed ReFS volumes. Removable volumes can be included through settings. For NTFS indexing, Everything needs its service running or must be launched as administrator because it requires low-level read access. Installing the service lets the app run as a standard user. The vendor FAQ covers the service requirement.
Other folders, mapped drives, and network shares
Everything 1.5 supports folder indexing for additional folders and locations such as mapped network drives. Folder indexing does not require administrator privileges, but the initial scan must finish before those files can be searched; the vendor says it can take minutes and is slower than native NTFS indexing. Windows Search locations can also be customized. In either tool, verify the relevant location is included and allow indexing to complete before relying on search results. See voidtools’ folder-indexing documentation and Microsoft’s indexing FAQ.
Rank #4
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Is Everything faster than Windows Search?
Everything is expressly built for instant filename filtering, but the official documentation reviewed does not provide a controlled, current head-to-head benchmark against Windows Search. There is no supported basis here for a numeric speed claim or for saying it is faster in every search. Its documented advantage is its focused filename-search workflow; Windows Search handles content and a broader range of data.
Should you replace or disable Windows Search?
No. If your main task is finding files by name, Everything is a useful dedicated option. If you search document contents or rely on Windows and app integrations, retain Windows Search. Using both lets you choose the index and search scope that match each query without giving up either tool’s distinct capability.
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Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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