Everything

Everything is a Windows utility for finding files and folders by name. It suits people who want quick, precise filename lookup across local, removable, or network locations. Its appeal is speed and a free personal tool; organizations need to weigh the site-license cost and the server’s security limits.

Overview

Everything indexes file and folder names and generally builds its database in seconds, then updates results as the file system changes. That makes it a practical choice when you know a name or can narrow it with a location or file-type filter. The index does not cover file contents: the content: function can search inside files, but without an index that search is slow.

The maker says a fresh Windows 11 installation with about 250,000 files uses about 35 MB of RAM and less than 14 MB of disk space. The client keeps its name cache locally, runs offline, and collects no user data or telemetry. Those traits make it a strong fit for users who want a lightweight search index kept on their own machine.

Key features

Fast, flexible filename search

Boolean operators, wildcards, file types, and location filters give searches useful precision without changing the tool’s central focus on names. If the clue is buried in document text rather than a filename, Everything is a less suitable primary search tool; its unindexed content search is available, but slower.

Local and remote access

Everything can index local, removable, and network locations. The HTTP Server plug-in lets users search and access files through a browser, while ETP/FTP provides access from Everything or an FTP client. The HTTP server uses Basic authentication without TLS, and the maker advises against exposing it directly to the internet. Treat it as a constrained access option, not a secure public-facing file service.

Indexing requirements

NTFS indexing requires either the Everything service or running the application as administrator. That requirement is worth considering before deployment, particularly where users cannot install a service or run software with elevated privileges.

Pricing

Everything is free for Windows file and folder search, making it an easy fit for individual use. A 30-day trial license key is available by request. Business and enterprise use requires a site license, with client-count tiers and annual or perpetual terms:

PlanPriceWhat it includesEverything (Freeware)freeWindows file and folder searchAnnual Site License — 10 Clients$49 a yearUp to 10 clients, email support, unlimited updatesAnnual Site License — 100 Clients$75 a yearUp to 100 clients, email support, unlimited updatesAnnual Site License — 1000 Clients$99 a yearUp to 1000 clients, email support, unlimited updatesPerpetual Site License — 10 Clients$299, paid onceUp to 10 clients, email support for 10 years, unlimited updates, license key never expiresPerpetual Site License — 100 Clients$449, paid onceUp to 100 clients, email support for 10 years, unlimited updates, license key never expiresPerpetual Site License — 1000 Clients$599, paid onceUp to 1000 clients, email support for 10 years, unlimited updates, license key never expiresThe annual tiers cost less upfront and include email support and unlimited updates, so they suit organizations that prefer a recurring license. The one-time tiers cost more initially but have a license key that never expires and include ten years of email support. Choose a client cap that covers deployment; the larger tiers raise that cap, not the described feature set. Server site licenses include priority email support.

Platforms

Everything runs on Windows. Its indexing can cover local, removable, and network locations, but that does not make the client cross-platform.

Who it's for

Choose Everything if filename lookup is the main task, fast index creation and live updates matter, and a Windows-only tool fits your environment. It is also a good match for users who value a small local cache and offline operation. Look elsewhere if fast indexed full-text search is central, if you cannot meet the NTFS service or administrator requirement, or if you need to expose browser access directly to the internet.

Pros and cons

Pros: Builds a filename index in seconds and refreshes it in real time, which helps keep results useful as files change.

Pros: Boolean operators, wildcards, and type and location filters make filename searches more precise.

Pros: The maker reports low memory and disk use for a 250,000-file Windows 11 installation, and the cache stays local.

Cons: File contents are not indexed, so content searches are slow when the filename is not enough.

Cons: NTFS indexing depends on the Everything service or administrator privileges.

Cons: HTTP access lacks TLS, making direct internet exposure inadvisable.

Alternatives

For a broader desktop-search shortlist, see Desktop Search Software.

Recoll is a free alternative with a wider platform range, including Linux, macOS, Android, web, and Windows.

FileSeek is a Windows freemium option; its free plan is limited to personal use and omits multiple search tabs, saved or synced profiles, and result export.

Microsoft Quick Assist is free and covers Windows, macOS, and web, though its macOS and web versions are only for Microsoft Support interactions.

Open Semantic Desktop Search is a free alternative for Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows use, supplied as a virtual machine image that requires VirtualBox.

UltraSearch is another Windows freemium option, with a free plan for private, non-commercial use and a 30-day period of Professional features.

Buddi is listed as free software for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

DocFetcher is a free, open-source desktop search option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, but requires users to create indexes for folders.

WizFile is a Windows freemium alternative whose free version is limited to personal use and provides no support.

Verdict

Everything is the right choice for Windows users who primarily need fast filename search across changing local, removable, or network files, especially when keeping the index local matters. Its free personal use and lightweight index are compelling; seek a different tool for routinely searching document contents, or a different access design if you need internet-facing file sharing.