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Using File Explorer to search by date range

Anonymous
2022-01-04T10:52:09+00:00

I rarely use File Explorer because I find it one of the least user-friendly facilities I've ever come across. But now I need to search a folder and its sub-folders for all files created or modified between 2 particular dates. My experience thus far is:

  • I want to search 'Current folder' and 'All subfolders', but only one can be selected -- I presume 'All subfolders' includes the current folder, but that's not what the words say;
  • under "Date modified", I tried 'Last year' and 'Last month' to see how they worked -- both searches brought up 1 file only, when I know there are many files that fit each of those parameters!
  • a search of Microsoft Community elicited several references to a calendar appearing when 'Date modified' is selected -- but no such calendar has ever appeared for me!
  • so, based on other Microsoft Community suggestions, I tried searching for 'modified:15/11/21-5/1/22' -- nil result, even though many files were created or modified within that range!

So, my questions are:

  1. How do I get File Explorer to work properly for 'Last year' or for a selected date range?
  2. Are there any non-Microsoft file explorer apps that are more user-friendly (ie, easier to use) than MS File Explorer?

Thank you in anticipation.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-05T20:24:44+00:00

    I cannot believe it is so much trouble to search a computer. The first thing a computer must do is search--it is it's most important feature, but alas--it was an afterthought. The look of the interface is more important. How about a boolean search? Is that too much to ask?

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2022-04-29T14:37:00+00:00

    Agree with James! What was wrong with the old Explorer folder search function?

    80+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-08-27T18:52:08+00:00

    Exactly.

    How does any development team that can fog a mirror break such basic functionality in an operating system? The people in charge of Windows are failing.

    60+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-10T14:02:29+00:00

    Microsoft has lost all connection with reality. I thought I messed something up in my PC that made the datepicker disappear. Now there is a brandnew system running win11pro and still there is no datepicker. Found today they removed that functionality which honestly is beyond believe to me. Well Microsoft, go ahead, raise tons of money for your shareholders and just forget about what users want or need.

    60+ people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2022-06-04T16:49:59+00:00

    Dumbest way to search ive ever seen Microsoft. No one can remember the archaic formula

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
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