Is it just file-name search?

It's designed to be a better overall find-file experience — faster, cleaner results with grouping and previews.

Does it index my whole drive?

You choose the folders Files Go indexes so it stays fast and respects your privacy.

Is search built into the app?

Yes, instant search is one of the core tools in Files Go.

Is my index sent anywhere?

No. The search index stays local to your PC.

Instant Search

Find your files faster on Windows

Files Go's instant search finds what you need in a cleaner, more useful way — grouped by type, with previews that actually help.

Get it fromMicrosoft StoreDownload forWindows 10 / 11

Free forever · Windows 10 & 11

Instant resultsGrouped by typeRich previewsFree forever

What you get

Instant search feel

Find files quickly without the friction of Windows Explorer's default search.

Grouped results

Documents, images, videos, audio and folders — all separated so you can scan faster.

Better previews

See what a file is before you open it, so you stop double-clicking the wrong thing.

Part of Files Go

Search works alongside canvas, downloader, dictation and remote mouse in one app.

How it works

Open Files Go

Launch the app or use the tray icon.

Type what you need

Search by name or context — results appear as you type.

Scan by type

Results group into documents, images, videos and more.

Open faster

Preview or open the file in one click, right from the results.

Use cases

Where instant search fits in your day

Find PDFs, docs, images and videosJump back into active workLocate project material across drivesReduce file clutter and delay

Product details

What is Files Go Instant Search useful for?

Files Go instant search is a local Windows file-finding tool. You select which folders to index, type part of a file name, and scan results grouped into documents, images, videos, audio and folders. Rich previews help confirm a result before opening it, while the index remains on your PC.

Best suited to

Windows 10 and 11 users with files across many folders
Visual users who benefit from grouped results and previews
People seeking a faster File Explorer search alternative
Privacy-conscious users who want a local search index

An alternative worth considering

Files Go can be considered alongside the products below when you prefer one free Windows utility suite instead of several separate tools. Product names are used only to describe common comparison searches; Files Go is not affiliated with them.

Windows File Explorer alternative: Consider Files Go for faster indexed search, visual previews and several file tools in one workspace.
Everything Search alternative: A useful option when grouped results and rich previews matter alongside search speed.
Listary alternative: Consider it when you want search combined with browsing, canvas organization and media utilities.

Included in Files Go

More useful tools in the same app

Files Go is a small utility suite. Install once and get every tool below.

Tired of slow or messy search?

Try a faster and cleaner way to find files on Windows.