Quickly find Windows programs

Updated: 08/02/2019 by Computer Hope

Quickly find a program or file on your computer in Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 using Windows Search Box as shown below or the Start Screen in Windows 8.

Microsoft Windows Search Box

  1. Click Start
  2. Type in the name of the file, program, or key word you are trying to find.
  3. Windows lists all applications matching your query. If the program you want is highlighted, press Enter to open the program. If there is more than one program, click or use the arrow keys to select the program to run.