How to Search Multiple File Types in File Explorer

Windows has an efficient search engine for searching different folders and files within itself. But in Windows 10 where it has been forced to work with Cortana. Often, it fails to find an app or file kept on your desktop.

But you could still use Windows search via the File Explorer without ever involving Cortana. When you try to search for files or file types, there is no match to File Explorer in Windows 10.

The File Explorer search feature will also let you make use of advanced search options.

You can search by file types, multiple file types at a time in File Explorer. To search multiple file types in File Explorer, you just have to use ‘OR’ to separate your search criteria. Basically “OR” search modifier is the key to easy multiple file searching. Try below-mentioned method to make searching easy for yourself.

Let’s start. First, type “File Explorer” or click “Start” to look for it on the list.

Now choose the folder which you want to search files from. In this case, we will pick “Desktop”.

If you go to File Explorer to use the following search parameter.

*.txt OR *.png

Type above text into the search bar appearing at top right corner. You will find all TXT and PNG files in a folder.

You can also use it to search for a file by type and name. For example, if you search for the following in a folder by typing below text in the search bar on the top right. It will find all text and JPG files named ‘Test’.

test.txt OR test.jpg

The search modifier is ‘OR’ and it should be written in all caps. If you write ‘or’, it won’t work. Moreover, this option will only work in File Explorer and not in Windows Search/Cortana. Semi-colon, commas, and pipe bars are not searched modifiers that File Explorer recognizes.

The search is not restricted to just text or image files. You can also use it to search for any type of file if you know its accurate extension. As for the file name, it’s not case sensitive but you must know the accurate file name to find it.