How to Search Only for Folders in the Windows 10 File Explorer Search Box

The File Explorer in Windows 10 is a powerful tool that allows you to navigate and manage your files and folders. One of its handy features is the search box, which allows you to quickly find specific files or folders on your computer. However, by default, the search box in File Explorer searches for both files and folders. If you want to search only for folders, there is a simple trick you can use. In this article, we will guide you through the process of searching only for folders in the Windows 10 File Explorer search box.

Method 1: Using a Special Search Operator

The first method involves using a special search operator called "kind" in the search box. The "kind" operator allows you to filter the search results based on the type of file or folder you are looking for. To search only for folders, follow the steps below:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Click on the search box located in the top-right corner of the File Explorer window.
3. Type the following command in the search box: kind:=folder
4. As you type, the search results will update in real-time, showing only the folders that match your search criteria.
5. If you want to refine your search further, you can add additional keywords or filters after the "kind:=folder" command. For example, if you want to search for folders containing a specific word in their name, you can type kind:=folder keyword, replacing "keyword" with the word you want to search for.

Using the "kind" operator is a quick and easy way to search only for folders in File Explorer. However, if you prefer a more permanent solution, you can customize the search settings in File Explorer.

Method 2: Customizing the Search Settings

The second method involves customizing the search settings in File Explorer to always search for folders by default. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Click on the "View" tab located at the top of the File Explorer window.
3. In the "View" tab, click on the "Options" button located on the right side of the ribbon. This will open the Folder Options window.
4. In the Folder Options window, click on the "Search" tab.
5. Under the "What to search" section, select the "Always search file names and contents" option.
6. Uncheck the "Include subfolders" option.
7. Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes.
8. Click on the "OK" button to close the Folder Options window.

After customizing the search settings, the File Explorer search box will only search for folders by default. If you want to search for files as well, you can still use the "kind" operator mentioned in Method 1 to include files in your search results.

Conclusion

Searching for folders in the Windows 10 File Explorer search box is a useful feature that can help you quickly locate specific folders on your computer. By using the "kind" operator or customizing the search settings, you can easily filter the search results to show only folders. Whether you prefer a temporary solution or a more permanent change, these methods will help you search for folders efficiently in File Explorer.