Saving Search Queries

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated January 21, 2019)

Tanya often uses the searching capabilities in Windows Explorer to locate different types of files on her system. Some of the searches can get a little complex. She notes that it would really save time if there was a way to save her search queries so she didn't have to always type them in again.

If you find yourself frequently using the Windows Explorer search box to perform common searches, you'll be glad to discover that you can save them. For example, say that I often look for files in my "VS2010 Projects" library. I may perform a search such as the one shown below. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. A search example.

To save this search, click the "Save search" link above the left pane in Windows Explorer. Windows displays the Save As dialog box. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Saving a search.

Modify what is in the File Name box to provide a descriptive name for your search. When you click on the Save button, the search is saved on your system and appears as one of your Favorites. It also is stored under your home directory in the Searches folder. Simply clicking the search in Windows Explorer will immediately re-execute the search.

So far in this tip I've explained how, specifically, to save your searches in Windows 7. In Windows 8 you can save searches in much the same way. The major difference is that the new File Explorer displays a Search tab when you click in the Search box. This tab includes a tool that allows your search to be saved, just as in Windows 7. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Saving a search in Windows 8.

If you don't want to use Windows' built-in capabilities to save your searches, remember that you can always save your searches in a text file. All you need to do is open a Notepad document and copy anything in the Search box into the document. (Just put the insertion point in the Search box, press Ctrl+A to select the entire search, then press Ctrl+C to copy it to the Clipboard. Switch to the Notepad document and press Ctrl+V.) When you later want to use the search, then reverse the direction of the copy and paste operation, pasting it into the Search box and initiating the search.

Why would you want to copy your searches to a text file? Simple—it makes it easier to transport those searches to a different Windows system than your own.

 This tip (12307) applies to Windows 7 and 8.

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

Understanding Data Execution Prevention

Windows has many malware-prevention features. One of these is Data Execution Prevention. This tip provides an explanation ...

Discover More

Creating a System Repair Disk on a USB Flash Drive

Having a system repair disk is almost as important as doing regular backups. CDs and DVDs, though, tend to get scratched ...

Discover More

Moving Your Page File

It's quite possible to move your system's page file to a different disk. This tip provides the steps you should follow to ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Filtering a Folder's Content

If you have lots of files on your computer, it is helpful to filter the files to more easily find a specific one. When ...

Discover More

Encrypting a File Folder

Want to make the data stored on your system more secure? Think about enabling the built-in encryption capabilities of ...

Discover More

Displaying All the Files in a Folder using Explorer

Displaying all the files a folder contains is an easy task in Windows. One easy way to do it is by using the Windows ...

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 0 + 7?

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


Newest Tips