Find files by name the moment you start typing
Everything is a Windows search utility that indexes the names of files and folders and returns matches while a query is still being typed. It achieves that speed by reading the NTFS master file table directly and following the USN change journal, so the first index of a large volume normally takes seconds and later updates cost very little. It is freeware published by voidtools; the source code is not released.
How the index works
On an NTFS volume, Everything uses the file system's own metadata, which is why it needs elevated rights to index all users' files the first time and why it sees name changes immediately. Folders on other file systems, including network shares and FAT or exFAT drives, can be added to the index explicitly, but those are scanned rather than journal-backed, so they are slower to build and need periodic rescans. The index holds names and paths, not file contents.
Searching and acting on results
The search box accepts plain words, exact phrases in quotes, wildcards, and field prefixes for size, date, path, and extension, and the syntax can be extended with regular expressions. Results can be sorted, grouped, exported to a file, or turned into a file list for another program. From the result list a user can open, rename, copy, or delete items and drag them into other applications. Several windows or bookmarked filters can be kept for recurring queries.
Configuration and limits
Because indexing reads the master file table, Everything and its optional indexing service should run with privileges the user is comfortable granting; the service option keeps the index available without an application window. The HTTP server and ETP or FTP server features expose search results to other machines and should never be enabled on an untrusted network without authentication. Everything is a name search tool, so it cannot find text inside documents; a content indexer is needed for that. Very large indexes consume memory in proportion to the number of files, and a portable build is available for removable drives.
When another search tool is the better choice
If the requirement is full-text search inside documents, a desktop content indexer or the operating system's own search is the right tool. If files must be found across many servers from one console, an agent-based index or an asset platform scales better. Everything is at its best on a workstation or file server where finding a file by part of its name quickly is the whole problem.
- Best for
- Windows users who need to locate files by name instantly on local drives and are willing to grant the indexing privileges it needs.
- Good to know
- Everything indexes names, not contents, and network or non-NTFS folders are scanned rather than journal-backed.
How to get started
- Download the 64-bit installer from voidtools.com and run it.
- Allow elevation so the index can read the file system metadata it relies on.
- Let the first index finish, which normally takes seconds on an NTFS volume.
- Type part of a file name and watch the results narrow as you type.
- Use the search menu to add filters for extension, size, date, or path.
- Add network folders only if scanned, periodically refreshed results are fine.
Questions & answers
Does Everything search inside files?
No. It indexes file and folder names, so full-text search needs a different tool.
Why are network folders slower?
They cannot be read through the NTFS change journal, so they are scanned and must be rescanned periodically.
Is the HTTP or FTP server feature safe?
It exposes search results over the network. Leave it disabled unless it is bound to a trusted network and protected.