February 8, 2026

Windows Search, meet your match

Voidtools Everything – Locate files and folders by name instantly

Fans say it embarrasses Windows Search; Mac crowd jealous

TLDR: Everything is a tiny, lightning-fast file finder that shows results instantly by keeping a live list of your files. Commenters gush over hotkeys and filters, Windows users gloat, Mac users lament no equivalent, and WizTree gets a nod as a similarly snappy cousin—because time spent searching is time wasted.

Windows users are losing it over Voidtools’ Everything, a tiny file finder that feels instant. idw bragged they installed it and found their file while Windows Search was still stuck “Working on it…”. The mood: clean UI, tiny install, minimal system hit, and results popping up as you type. It keeps a live list of your files, so searches sprint, not crawl. There’s even an HN throwback proving this crush has history.

Shortcut warriors are flexing: ctoth binds a hotkey (ctrl+shift+/), then filters like *.txt size:>1024kb to find big text files instantly. rynn dubs it “the Windows version of locate,” the old-school name-only finder—translation: blindingly fast. Then the drama hits: bomewish says it’s the best thing about Windows and a heartbreak on Mac; “Same with Total Commander. Sad!” Meanwhile, Scene_Cast2 nods to cousin app WizTree for similar instant answers. Verdict from the comments: ditch waiting, embrace speed.

Key Points

  • The tool locates files and folders by name instantly.
  • It features quick filename indexing for fast results.
  • It supports quick searching performance.
  • It uses minimal system resources.
  • It updates results in real time.

Hottest takes

"used it to find a file while Windows Search was still saying 'Working on it...'" — idw
"Best thing about windows and biggest thing I miss" — bomewish
"Amazing utility that just works" — rynn
Made with <3 by @siedrix and @shesho from CDMX. Powered by Forge&Hive.