Top 15 Windows Search Alternative and Similar Softwares | Dec 2024

Windows Search, formerly known as Windows Desktop Search (WDS) on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, is an indexed desktop search platform created by Microsoft for Microsoft Windows.

Windows Search builds a full-text index of files on a computer. Searches are performed not only on file names, but also on the contents of the file (provided a proper handler for the file type is installed) as well as the keywords, comments and all other forms of metadata that Windows Search recognizes.

1. Recoll

Recoll This package is a personal full text search package which is based on a very strong backend (Xapian), for which it provides an easy to use and feature-rich interface.Recoll finds keywords inside documents as well as file names.It can search most document formats.It can reach any storage place: files, archive......

2. DocFetcher

DocFetcher DocFetcher 1.1 is a portable German/English Open Source desktop search application. It allows you search the contents of documents on your computer. - You can think of it as Google for your local document repository.......

3. Copernic Desktop Search

Copernic Desktop Search Instantly find files, e-mails, and attachments stored anywhere on your PC with the free Copernic Desktop Search Home. Copernic Desktop Search (CDS) enables you to instantly search files, e-mails, and e-mail attachments stored anywhere on your PCs hard drive. The application executes sub second searching of Microsoft Word, Excel, and......

4. Archivarius 3000

Archivarius 3000 Archivarius 3000 is a full-featured application to search documents and e-mail on the desktop computer, your local network and removable drives (CD, DVD). The documents can be searched by content, the same as with Internet search engines.Key features includeInstant full-text search of documents and e-mails.Word form search on 18 languages.Support......

5. AndroSearch

AndroSearch Search INSIDE documents/files on your device like no other files manager/finder do.Featuring sub second, full text, Desktop Search in files content, and over apps names and description.KEY FEATURES:- Files Search - by name, extension, and full text search inside PDF, MS OFFICE, and Open Office.- Recently Modified Files View -......

6. Instant Document Search

Instant Document Search Instant Document Search is a powerful search solution (like Internet search engines) for your local documents. You can instantly find documents by keywords or key-phrases and see the results with context preview and highlighted keywords. Instant Document Search supports most of the popular document types, has flexible configuration options, convenient......

7. ANGRYsearch

ANGRYsearch Instant file search, showing results as you type.......

8. Hddb File Search

Hddb File Search Hddb is a file search tool like Everything .Everything has some problems; Hddb fixes them.Hddb doesn't require admin permission when doing file search, so no UAC prompt is required on startup. UAC prompt is required only when building the database. You can even install a build service. When......

9. DeskRule

DeskRule If your search engine can only locate filenames, you are missing out on the wealth of 300 windows file properties. DeskRule is a fast and reliable desktop search engine handling all document attributes, from simple name and contents to photo geolocation tags. Find top Rated pictures Find audio tracks by......

10. File Seeker

File Seeker File Seeker searches hard disks for files with excellent speed, accuracy and search within feature.......

11. Google Desktop

Google Desktop The power of Google on your desktop. Hit ctrl twice and you are ready for a full Google search of you hard drive and networked drives you may have. Indispensable if you need to find files quickly... the price doesn't hurt either!As of September 14, Google Desktop will no longer......

12. SuperCat

SuperCat Organize all your files and disks.Disk Catalog and File Search Software: SuperCat. Finding files on hard drives can be a nightmare, and finding files on removable hard drives and and other storage media can be impossible. SuperCat lets you catalog all your disks, so you'll never lose a file again.Compatible......

13. Conjure

Conjure A fast, lightweight, customizable search alternative for Windows 7 that also allows for deletion and renaming. Easily locate files on mapped network drives using Conjure, expedite your searches by including folders you need and excluding ones you never use. One key combination yields access to a powerful and intuitive search......

14. Advanced File Finder

Advanced File Finder Generate file list of all files with specific name pattern, extension, properties and attributes, as well as text and binary content by recursively scanning specified directories and searching for matching files.- All files can then be saved to file list; copied to a new location specified using either absolute or......

15. FileSearchEX

FileSearchEX FileSearchEX is the no nonsense file search utility for Windows 7 and higher. It offers the simplified search interface like Windows XP yet in an updated and modern fashion. Unlike other search tools, FileSearchEX works well with limited account permissions.......