Find a file you cannot locate

Search tricks for files you saved but cannot find.

Updated September 21, 2026

  1. Open File Explorer and click the search box at the top right. Type part of the file name.
  2. Search in OneDrive and shared folders as well as This PC.
  3. In Word or Excel, select File, then Open, then Recent.
  4. Sort your Downloads folder by date. Files from email or the web usually land there.

Deleted it? See Recover a deleted file.

Good to know

When you find the file, move it to a proper folder so you do not lose it again.