Understanding the Start Menu Search Box

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated July 17, 2017)

The Start Menu Search Box is a handy time-saving item. You can often use it to go directly to files and folders without having to go through a laborious navigation process. And since it has search functionality, you can get to files/folders even if you're not exactly sure how they're spelled.

For example, let's say you wanted to bring up the on-screen keyboard. Instead of going to Start | Control Panel | Ease of Access Center and clicking the "on-screen keyboard" link, you could just click Start (or press the Windows key) and type "on" (without the quotes). Immediately a menu appears, and on my system "On-Screen Keyboard" is at the top of the list. I would then press Enter and the on-screen keyboard would launch. This saves a great deal of time, not only because you don't have to move your hands off the keyboard to the mouse, but also because you don't have to navigate through the menus to get to the desired link.

The Search Box does not index everything on your system, but the great thing is that you can get it to index any number of specific files you want to use it with. For example, say that I have a program called "Procexp.exe" that I'd like to use with the Search Box. All I need to do is to create a shortcut to that program, and move the shortcut to this location:

C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

In fact, I have set this folder as a "Favorite" (or under “Quick Access” in Windows 10) and every time I come across a file that I want to access via the Search Box, I create a shortcut to that file and move the shortcut to that favorite folder.

 This tip (12820) applies to Windows 7 and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Xplorer2

If Windows Explorer or File Explorer leaves you wanting more from a file management utility, you might want to give ...

Discover More

Switching Between Command Line and File Explorer

Sometimes you can be more effective in a command window, and other times you can be more effective using File Explorer. ...

Discover More

Adjusting Vison Settings in the Ease of Access Center

If you have vision impairments that affect your ability to use your computer, Windows 10's Ease of Access Center can help ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Flip 3D

Flip 3D is an Aero feature that allows you to cycle through your active windows in three dimensions. Because they are ...

Discover More

Modifying the Size of Items in Windows

Having trouble seeing everything in Windows? Is the type or other objects simply too small? Here are some cool ways to ...

Discover More

What are Modern Apps?

The capabilities of apps changed with Windows 10. What, exactly, are modern apps and how are they different from earlier ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.