Do you struggle to find files quickly on your PC? If you're fed up with Windows Search because it takes too long or doesn't give you the results you need, there's a solution that can completely change the way you manage files: EverythingThis ultra-fast search engine has become an essential tool for many users thanks to its efficiency, lightness, and ease of use.
Unlike other programs that consume a lot of resources or require multiple configurations, Everything stands out for its simplicity and speed. As its name suggests, this software can literally find everything you need on your computer in a matter of seconds. If you want to know how it works, what makes it so special, and how to get the most out of it, keep reading because we'll explain everything.
What is Everything and what is it for?
Everything It's a free software for Windows that performs ultra-fast searches for files and folders on your computer. Its main attraction is its speed: displays instant results as you type, thanks to the fact that it pre-indexes all the file and folder names in the system.
Instead of performing traditional searches like Windows Explorer, Everything relies on a highly efficient indexing system. This allows locate any file or directory in real time, regardless of their location or hard drive size. This is especially useful if you've ever wondered Why can't you use Windows Search?.
Main features of Everything
- Instant results: Find files in real time as you type.
- Lightweight: It takes up just a few megabytes and consumes almost no resources.
- Automatic update: Detects new files or deletions and updates the index.
- Clean interface: Extremely easy to use, even for beginners.
Quick and simple installation
Installing Everything is as easy as downloading it from your Official Site or from portals such as Uptodown. It occupies only 2.7 MB (or 1.8 MB in its Beta version), so the installation is completed in less than a minute. After running it for the first time, it creates an index of all the files on your local NTFS volumes, and you can start searching in seconds.
How to use Everything step by step
Once opened, all you need to do is start typing the name of the file or folder you want to find. The results will appear immediately. You can also:
- Sort results by clicking on the headings of each column.
- Open files by double-clicking or pressing the Enter key.
- apply filters to search only for specific types of files, such as audio or video.
- Drag and Drop results to other programs.
If you need to perform more complex searches, Everything has advanced functions such as searching by regular expressions, searching in specific folders, by date, or even by properties such as file size. This can be useful if you are managing a lot of files and need more sophisticated tools, such as those found at those that help remove duplicates in Windows 11.
Advanced features you didn't know existed
In addition to its main function, Everything offers many other possibilities that make it a all-terrain tool:
- Exporting results to CSV, TXT or EFU files.
- Execution history: Open files you use frequently with just a press of Enter.
- Custom bookmarks to save frequent searches.
- HTTP, FTP and ETP servers to access your files from other devices or networked PCs.
Everything new in Everything 1.5 Beta
Version 1.5 Beta takes this tool to the next level with significant improvements:
- Dark mode for visual comfort in low-light environments.
- Tabs that allow you to have several searches open at the same time.
- Advanced indexing of properties such as creation date, size, etc.
- Natural ordering of more intuitive alphanumeric results.
- Daily index which allows you to track recent changes.
- Search for duplicates to free up space by deleting duplicate files.
- Content indexing: You can now also search for text within files.
Fully customizable interface
Everything can be customized to your preferences, from the colors and fonts to the columns displayed. You can:
- Adjust fonts and colors in Options or by modifying the Everything.ini file.
- Choose which columns to view in the results with a right click.
- Turn background searches on or off, history, filters and more.
Keyboard shortcuts and customization
For those who prefer to use the keyboard, Everything offers quick combinations on the table:
- Alt + Insert to open the search window.
- Ctrl + F to activate filters.
- F1 for help.
And if that seems like little to you, you can modify or create your own shortcuts in the Options section. This is useful for streamlining your daily operations, especially if you are used to using browsers that respect your privacy.
Servers for remote access
Everything lets you access your files from other devices thanks to its server capabilities. You can:
- Enable the HTTP server to search from a web browser on another device.
- Use the ETP server to connect multiple Everything installations.
- Password protect access for added security.
Indexes and network folders
Anything not on an NTFS partition can also be indexed. You can add:
- Network Drives for remote searches.
- FAT or virtual folders from external devices (USB, external hard drives).
- File lists from NAS, CDs or DVDs to have snapshots accessible offline.
Filters and search customization
The predefined filters Allows you to search only for files of certain types (such as images, videos, or documents). These are selected from the Search menu and displayed in the status bar. You can also customize them to suit your daily needs, which can be particularly useful if you're interested in AI assistant solutions.
Import and export settings
If you use Everything on multiple computers, you can export your settings and then import them, ensuring everything stays the same across all your devices. This includes filters, bookmarks, keyboard shortcuts, and more.
Language and installation of translation packages
In case the original installation is not in your preferred language, you can download additional language packs, like Spanish. You just need to place the file Everything.lng in the installation folder, restart the program and select the language from the Options.
Although Everything may seem like a simple tool at first glance, it hides a huge potential that many people don't know about. From options for IT professionals to basic utilities for the average user, its versatility makes it a fundamental tool within the Windows ecosystem. And best of all: it's completely free . Share the information and help others learn about this program.