How to enable advanced search in Windows 11

By default, Windows Search includes specific folders like Documents, Pictures, Music, and the desktop. But if you want Windows 11 to search for files in any other drive or folder, you need to enable advanced search. This feature forces Windows 11 to index your entire computer, allowing you to find files no matter where they are stored. Here's how to enable advanced search in Windows 11.

Instructions to enable advanced search on Windows 11

Step 1:

Press Windows + I to open Settings, then select Privacy & Security .

Switch to the setup interface on the computer, the user clicks on Searching Windows .

Step 2:

In Windows search settings, click on Find my Files and then click on Enhanced to replace Classic .

If you have problems after enabling Advanced Search, you should rebuild your search index. Open Control Panel and then click Indexing Options .

Continue clicking Advanced to open advanced settings on your computer.

In the Troubleshooting section, the user clicks Rebuild to rebuild the index.

Now you search for save files on Windows and will find the search process more efficient.

Micah Soto

Update 10 July 2025