You need all the PDFs and Word files from a project folder, but Windows Explorer shows only one type at a time. Do you have to search twice? No. You can search for multiple file types in Windows Explorer with one short search. These tricks work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and you don’t need any extra software.
Why Search for More Than One File Type?
Searching by one type at a time wastes time. Here are some common reasons to search for several types at once:
- Cleaning up your Downloads folder
- Collecting all the files for one project
- Finding every photo, whatever its format
- Getting files ready for a backup
Windows has a built-in search language for this. Let’s look at the easiest methods first.
Method 1: Use OR with Wildcards
This is the simplest way to search for multiple extensions.
Step 1: Open File Explorer and go to the folder you want to search.
Step 2: Click the search box in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Type your search using * and the word OR.
Example:
*.pdf OR *.docx
This shows every PDF and every Word file in the folder and its subfolders. You can add more types:
*.jpg OR *.png OR *.gif
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Write OR in capital letters. A lowercase “or” is treated as a normal word.
- Keep a space on both sides of OR.
- Start your search inside the right folder. Searching from “This PC” takes much longer.
Method 2: Use the ext: Filter
The ext: filter looks for an exact file extension. It is neat and easy to read.
Example:
ext:pdf OR ext:xlsx
This finds all PDF and Excel files. It works well when you also want to search by name. For example, to find invoices that are PDFs or Excel files:
invoice ext:pdf OR ext:xlsx
The difference from wildcards is small. The *.pdf method matches the file name, while ext: matches the extension property directly. Use whichever one feels easier.
Method 3: Search by File Category with kind:
Sometimes you don’t care about the exact format. You just want “all pictures” or “all documents.” The kind: filter does this.
Built-in categories include:
- kind:picture
- kind:document
- kind:music
- kind:video
Example:
kind:document OR kind:picture
This shows all your documents and all your images together.
Prefer clicking to typing? Click the search box, open the Search tab at the top, and choose Kind from the dropdown. Pick a category and Explorer fills in the filter for you.
Use kind: when you want a broad group. Use ext: when you need specific formats.
Combine Filters to Narrow Your Results
Windows lets you mix filters. This helps when a folder holds thousands of files.
Add a keyword:
report *.pdf OR *.docx
Filter by date:
kind:document datemodified:this month
Filter by size:
kind:video size:>500MB
Exclude a file type with NOT:
kind:document NOT ext:txt
This shows all documents except text files.
Use parentheses to group conditions:
budget (ext:xlsx OR ext:csv)
This finds spreadsheet or CSV files with “budget” in the name or contents. Parentheses make your search clearer, especially when it gets long.
Tips for Faster and Better Searches
- Search inside a specific folder. A smaller area means faster results.
- Check your indexing. Windows searches indexed locations much faster. Type “Indexing Options” in the Start menu to see which folders are included.
- Include hidden files if needed. Open the search options in File Explorer and turn on hidden and system files.
- Save useful searches. After a search, you can save it and reuse it later with one click.
What If Search Doesn’t Find Your Files?
If results look wrong, try these fixes:
- The folder isn’t indexed. Add it in Indexing Options.
- There’s a typo. Check your spelling, spaces, and capital letters in OR and NOT.
- The index is damaged. In Indexing Options, click Advanced, then Rebuild. This can take some time, so let it finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work the same way in Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Yes. The search syntax is almost identical. The buttons look slightly different, but the typed filters work the same.
Can I separate file types with commas or semicolons?
No. Windows Explorer needs the word OR between each type, so write *.pdf OR *.docx.
How do I leave out one file type?
Add NOT before it. For example, kind:picture NOT ext:gif shows pictures but skips GIFs.
Conclusion
Searching for multiple file types in Windows Explorer is easy once you know the right words. For the fastest results, use OR with wildcards, like *.pdf OR *.docx, or try the cleaner ext: filter. When you want a whole group, use kind:. Then combine these with dates, sizes, and NOT to narrow things down.
Try one of these searches today and see how much time you save. Once you get used to it, you’ll rarely search one file type at a time again.
