How to Explorer Search Folder Only by Name in Windows 11

Searching for files and folders is something every Windows user does almost daily. Whether you are organizing your documents, locating a saved project, or trying to find a missing folder, the search feature in Windows 11 plays a crucial role. When you search in Windows 11, the system looks through files, folders, and even indexed content like text inside documents. This broad search behavior is useful in many situations, but it can be overwhelming if you only want folders.

The key to narrowing down your results is using search filters. These filters help Windows understand exactly what you are looking for. In this case, the filter kind:folder tells Windows to show only folders in the results.

Windows 11 also includes a modern search interface inside File Explorer, which supports advanced search operators. These operators allow you to refine your search based on file type, date modified, size, and more.

Let’s walk through everything step in a detailed way.

Table of Contents

How to Search for Folders Only by Name in Windows 11?

To search for folders only by name in Windows 11, open File Explorer, navigate to your desired location, and type the folder name in the search bar. Then use the filter kind:folder in the search box to display only folders. Press Enter to view the results filtered specifically for folders.

Step 1: Open File Explorer

The first step is to access File Explorer, which is the main tool used to manage files and folders in Windows 11.

To do this, click on the Start menu located at the bottom of your screen. From there, select File Explorer. You can also press Windows key + E on your keyboard, which is a quick shortcut to open it instantly.

Once File Explorer is open, you will see different sections such as Quick Access, This PC, and any connected drives. This is where you can start your search.

For beginners, it is important to understand that searches are location-based. This means Windows will only search within the folder or drive you currently have open. If you want to search your entire computer, choose This PC before starting your search.

Step 2: Navigate to the Correct Location

Before typing anything in the search bar, decide where you want to search.

If you already know where the folder might be located, open that specific directory. For example, if you believe the folder is inside Documents, click on the Documents folder first.

If you are unsure of the location, select This PC from the left panel. This will allow Windows to search across all drives and folders on your system.

Choosing the right location helps speed up the search process and ensures more accurate results. Searching the entire system can take longer, especially if you have a large amount of data.

Step 3: Use the Search Bar

Now locate the search bar in the top-right corner of File Explorer. Click inside it to activate it.

Type the name of the folder you are looking for. For example, if your folder is named “Projects,” type Projects into the search bar.

At this stage, Windows will begin showing results automatically. However, these results will include files, shortcuts, and possibly other items that match the name.

This is where most users get confused because the results are not limited to folders. To fix this, you need to apply a filter in the next step.

Step 4: Apply the Folder Filter

After typing the folder name, you need to tell Windows to show only folders.

In the search bar, add the following filter after your search term: kind:folder

For example, if you typed Projects earlier, your search should now look like this: Project kind:folder

Press Enter after typing the filter.

Windows will now refresh the results and display only folders that match your search term. All files and other items will be removed from the results, making it much easier to find what you need.

This filter is the most important part of the entire process. Once you start using it regularly, your searches will become faster and more accurate.

Step 5: Use Search Tools for Better Results

When you click inside the search bar, Windows 11 displays additional Search Tools options at the top of the File Explorer window.

These tools allow you to refine your search further. You can filter results by date modified, size, and other attributes.

Although your main goal is to find folders by name, these extra tools can be helpful if you have many folders with similar names. For example, you can narrow results by choosing a specific time frame if you remember when the folder was created.

Using these tools alongside the kind:folder filter gives you more control and precision.

Step 6: Review and Open the Folder

Once the filtered results appear, carefully look through the list of folders.

Check the folder names and their locations to make sure you are selecting the correct one. If multiple folders have similar names, pay attention to the path displayed below each result.

Double-click on the folder you want to open. You can also right-click and choose options like Open, Open in new tab, or Open file location, depending on your needs.

This final step completes the search process.

Step 7: Save Time with Search Tips

After learning the basic method, you can improve your efficiency with a few simple habits.

Always start your search from the most likely location to reduce search time. Use specific keywords instead of general ones to get better results. For example, searching “Work Projects” is more effective than just “Projects.”

You can also remember commonly used filters like kind:folder, which can be reused anytime you need to search for folders only.

Over time, these small improvements can make a big difference in how quickly you find what you need.

FAQs

How do I search only for folders in Windows 11 without typing a filter?

You can use the Search Tools tab in File Explorer and select the option to filter by folder type. However, using kind:folder is faster and more precise.

Why does Windows show files when I search for a folder name?

By default, Windows searches across all file types. Without a filter, it shows anything that matches your keyword, including files and apps.

Can I search for folders by partial name?

Yes, you can type part of the folder name, and Windows will display matching results. Adding kind:folder will still limit results to folders only.

Does this method work on all drives?

Yes, you can search for folders on any drive connected to your computer, including external drives and USB storage.

What if my folder does not appear in search results?

Make sure you are searching in the correct location. If the folder is hidden or not indexed, it may not appear. You can also try searching from This PC to expand the search scope.