How to Use “OR” in a Windows File Search
Searching for files on your Windows computer can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for multiple files with different names or extensions. However, using the “OR” operator in your search query can significantly streamline the process. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to effectively use “OR” in a Windows file search to find the files you need quickly and efficiently.
Understanding the “OR” Operator
The “OR” operator is a logical operator that allows you to search for files that match any of the specified criteria. For example, if you want to find files with either “document” or “report” in their names, you would use the “OR” operator to combine the two search terms.
Here’s a quick rundown of how the “OR” operator works:
| Search Term | Result |
|---|---|
| document | Files with “document” in their name |
| report | Files with “report” in their name |
| document OR report | Files with either “document” or “report” in their name |
Using “OR” in the Search Box
Now that you understand how the “OR” operator works, let’s see how to use it in the Windows search box. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Windows search box by pressing the Windows key or clicking the search icon in the taskbar.
- Enter the first search term, such as “document” or “report,” followed by the “OR” operator. Make sure to use the correct syntax, which is to type “OR” without any spaces or punctuation.
- Press Enter or click the search button to see the results.
For example, if you want to find all files with “document” or “report” in their names, you would type “document OR report” in the search box and press Enter.
Combining “OR” with Other Search Operators
The “OR” operator can be combined with other search operators to further refine your search results. Here are a few examples:
- AND: Use “AND” to search for files that match both the “OR” criteria and another specified term. For example, “document OR report AND 2023” would find files with “document” or “report” in their names and created in 2023.
- NOT: Use “NOT” to exclude files that match a specific term. For example, “document OR report NOT 2023” would find files with “document” or “report” in their names but not created in 2023.
- EXT: Use “EXT” to search for files with a specific file extension. For example, “document OR report EXT pdf” would find files with “document” or “report” in their names and a PDF extension.
Using “OR” in Advanced Search
Windows also offers an Advanced Search feature that allows you to use the “OR” operator and other search operators more effectively. Here’s how to access and use Advanced Search:
- Open the Windows search box and type “Advanced search” or “Search advanced options” to see the Advanced Search link.
- Click the Advanced Search link to open the Advanced Search dialog box.
- Enter your search criteria, including the “OR” operator and any other search operators you want to use.
- Click “Search” to see the results.
Conclusion
Using the “OR” operator in a Windows file search can save you time and effort when looking for multiple files with different names or extensions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and efficiently find the files you need, whether you’re searching from the search box or using Advanced Search.
