How to Use Everything to Search for Any File: Complete Guide

You do not know cHow to use Everything to search for any file in seconds in Windows? Tired of wasting time searching for documents, images, or programs on your computer? There's a quick and free solution that can save you a lot of headaches: Everything, a small but powerful search engine for Windows that locates any file in seconds, without the tedious waits of traditional searches. If you've ever wondered how to optimize your workflow and instantly access all the content on your computer, you've come to the right place.

In this article you will discover, in a detailed and simple way, how to download, install, configure and get the most out of Everything on your PC. You'll learn how to take advantage of even its advanced features, from instant searches to program customization, exporting results, and using it from other devices. Get ready to transform the way you search for files with this comprehensive guide, written in a natural and friendly tone, so you won't have any questions.

What is Everything and why should you use it?

Everything is a free software specially designed for Windows users who need find files or folders ultra-fastUnlike the system's built-in search tool, which is often slow and ineffective, Everything builds an index of all files and folders on the computer, allowing immediate and accurate results, even when you have thousands of documents spread across different disks or partitions.

Its operation is so light and efficient that it barely consumes resources, making it Everything a perfect alternative for both casual users and more demanding users who demand speed and productivity in their daily work.

How to download and install Everything on your computer

1. Accesses Official siteOpen your browser and go to the VoidTools website, the creators of Everything. From there, you can download the latest stable version of the program.
2. Choose the right format: You can opt for the installable version (which is fully integrated into your system) or the portable version, more convenient if you want to use Everything from a USB or without installation.
3. Install or run EverythingIf you downloaded the installer, follow the usual installation steps. For the portable version, simply unzip the file and run the program directly.
4. Creating the index: The first time you open Everything, the program will automatically create an index of all files and folders from your local NTFS drives. This operation only takes a few seconds and is performed in the background without disturbing your work.

Getting Started: Interface and Basic Usage

Once you launch the application, you'll find a clean and intuitive interface. At the top is the search bar, where you can type the name (full or partial) of any file or folder you want to locate. Just start typing, and the results will appear instantly..

The main window consists of a sortable list of results, menus for accessing more advanced features, and a status bar at the bottom where you can control additional options.

• Main menu: Access commands for searching, exporting, viewing, helping, and more.
• List of results: Click on the headings to sort by name, path, type, date modified, size, etc. You can show or hide columns by right-clicking.
• Actions on files: Double-click any item to open it, or select multiple items to copy, move, or delete. The context menu (right-click) allows you to perform actions such as copying a path, opening a location, or viewing properties.

Customizing and configuring the program

Everything It offers multiple options to adjust its behavior and adapt it to your tastes or needs:

• Change language: If the program is shown in English or another language, go to Tools> Options and choose 'Spanish.' The entire environment will switch to your preferred language.
• Fonts and colors: You can customize the appearance of the file list, background, and fonts from the advanced options or the configuration file. Everything.ini.
• Keyboard shortcuts: For more advanced users, Everything Allows you to configure shortcut keys to run searches, open files, or access specific commands. View the list of shortcuts from the corresponding menu or define your own.

Performing searches: techniques and tricks

Searching for files in Everything is as simple as entering the file or folder name. However, the program offers powerful tools to refine your searches:

• Partial search: Enter only part of the name, and all matching files or folders will appear immediately.
• Using wildcards: Use the asterisk (*) to replace unknown parts of the name. For example, searching bill* locates any file whose name begins with that word.
• Advanced filtersFrom the 'Search' menu, you can activate predefined filters such as images, documents, audio, video, etc. This will limit the results to only the types that interest you most.
• search by date: Find files modified today, yesterday, or in any time range with commands like dm:todayYou can also sort the results by date using the context menu.
• Advanced Syntax: Access help to review all the operators and possibilities that Everything offers in advanced search, such as searching by extension, size, specific path, etc.

Tricks for working with the results

• Open multiple files: Select multiple items and open them all at once or drag them to another program.
• Sort and customize columns: Sort by any criteria and display only the columns you need.
• Quick actions: Right-click on the results to access actions such as copying the path, opening the containing folder, or viewing the properties.

Advanced features that will make your life easier

• Real time monitoring: See instant changes to your files. If a file is created, deleted, or modified, Everything detects it and automatically displays it in the results.
• Execution historyThe program keeps track of how many times you've opened each file or folder. You can sort by frequency of opening and access your most frequently used documents faster.
• Export results: Want to save a list of found files? Export the results to CSV, TXT, or EFU formats from the File > Export menu.
• File listsCreate snapshots of external devices such as NAS, CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, and keep them indexed even when they're offline. Manage and edit lists from the File List Editor.
• Bookmarks: Save searches, filters, and settings so you can recall them anytime without having to start from scratch.

Automation and access from other devices

If you are an advanced user or need to work online, Everything allows you to:

• ETP Server: Activate your own server to share the file index and allow remote searches from other PCs.
• HTTP server: Access your files from your mobile phone, tablet, or other device by simply accessing the web address generated by Everything.
• Customize integration: Link Everything with external file managers or custom environments to open folders with the tool of your choice.

Comprehensive configuration from the options menu

The Everything Options menu is truly comprehensive. Among the most useful options are:

• Managing NTFS volumes: Choose which disks or partitions should be indexed.
• Including and excluding folders or file types: Decide exactly which directories or extensions are indexed for a tailored search.
• Startup options and behavior: Have Everything start automatically, show a single window, or allow multiple instances for different projects.
• Security and privacy: Control network access or server settings to keep your data protected.

Close Everything Correctly

By default, closing the Everything window only minimizes it or leaves it in the background. If you want to completely exit the app, you'll need to:

• Go to menu Archive and select Logout.
• Or right-click the Everything icon in the notification area and click Exit.
• If you prefer to exit when you close the window, disable the 'Run in background' option in Tools > Options > User Interface.

Frequently Asked Questions about Everything

• Is the program free? Yes, Everything is free to use for individuals or businesses, and you can choose between a portable or installable version.
• Does it consume a lot of resources? The performance impact is minimal, as it bases its speed on the index, regardless of the size of your disks.
• Does it allow searching within the content of the files? No, Everything searches only by name. To search within files, you can use other complementary tools.
• Does it work on operating systems other than Windows? No, Everything is only available for Windows.
• How is it updated? You can check and download updates from the official website or activate automatic checks for new versions.

Additional tips and other interesting uses

• Shortcuts and productivity: Learn keyboard shortcuts to launch searches even faster or open files without touching the mouse.
• Search by size or extension: Use operators like size: or directly the name of the extension to locate large files or files of a specific type.
• Customization for complex workflows: Create filters and bookmarks for projects, clients, or common tasks.
• Security: Keep the index private or network-based for trusted users only, and adjust permissions if using it in collaborative environments.
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Thanks to its multiple functions and facilities, Everything It has established itself as an essential tool for optimizing your file management in Windows. Its speed and precision in searches, along with its great customization capabilities, make improving your productivity easier and more effective. Try it and see how it can transform your daily life, eliminating waiting and facilitating access to all your digital information. We hope you've learned how to use it. cHow to use Everything to search for any file.