Desktop Search

Desktop search lets users to quickly find files, folders, or specific content by looking in one place, no matter where hosted.

Updated: December 6, 2023

Desktop search lets users to quickly find files, folders, or specific content by looking in one place, no matter where hosted. 

The desktop search looks everywhere to speed up the time it takes to find what is needed instead of digging through every application or folder individually, even if it isn't saved locally.

An effective desktop searches through emails and attachments; image and video names and formats; file metadata like title, created date, author, and file type; web browser history; contact information; calendar events and history; keywords in documents, spreadsheets, and notes; enterprise databases, intranets, and servers, including files on other users' computers; installed and connected applications.

Desktop search software is used by companies to easily find data and files without maintaining a complicated file structure or system. The existing search feature of an operating system can be improved by using desktop search software and it also boosts team productivity, Desktop search software can do comprehensive searches by indexing information from every connected file, application, and database.

Desktop search tools simplify the process of finding a file or information on the desktop with increased speed and productivity, reduced overall cost and access to usage data and insights. However, certain tools only work for specific operating systems as some were built specifically for Windows OS, while others only work with macOS or Linux. It may be difficult for employees to adopt desktop search if they hesitate to change their technique.