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Wildcards in Searches Using File Explorer (Windows 10)

Anonymous
2023-02-06T20:35:26+00:00

There must be some kind of enabling/setting thing that I have messed up. I have a folder with two files (named FileA.dox and FileB.docx). I can do a search on this folder using the search string name:FIL* and get the two files returned. I can do a search on name:*Fil* and get the two files returned from the search. However, name:*il* does not find either file.

What have I missed here? Thanks.

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

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  1. Ramesh 176.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-02-07T04:46:57+00:00

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2023-02-07T20:40:07+00:00

    Try:

    • filename:*il*

    Advanced Query Syntax (AQS) examples:

    Ramesh - thank you! The use of "filename" rather than "name" seems to be the solution that I needed. dave

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Sumit D - IA 166.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-02-07T02:59:28+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    I'm Sumit, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

    Try using the Powershell script to reset Windows Search and see if it resolves the issue.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/...

    Hope that helps, and rely on us for any further inquiries. All the best.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-02-06T21:41:08+00:00

    Thanks for the quick reply, Brian. Unfortunately that does not help. dave

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  4. Brian Tillman 24,865 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-02-06T21:10:33+00:00

    Hi. I'm Brian and I will do my best to help you.

    Have you tried putting quotes around the string, like "*il*"? I'm not sure that will work, but I found some references indicating it might.

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