Solved Can not find Folders/Files using Win 8.1

This is my first time on the forum. I have been using a PC for over ten years and, at best, I am still a novice! I am experiencing a lot of issues I had overcome with Win7. I will address thes one at a time. In the past when I was looking for a folder or file I pressed START and keyed in what I was looking, a name or unique words. How do I do that using Win8.1? If I don't express myself clearly please bare with me. Ask any questions you may need answered and I will get back as quickly as possible.

I will thank you up front for any assistance and guidance you may give me!

PapaK

Add a Start button to Windows 8 and then it will look and feel like Windows 7 and you'll be a lot happier. I use both of these (on two different computers of course).

Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements (Free)
Start8 Start menu for Windows 8. Bring the Windows 8 Start menu back. ($4.99)

Set Windows 8 to boot to the Desktop, not the Metro screen.

1. After booting Windows 8.1, click the Desktop tile to enter Desktop mode.

2. Right-click any open area in the taskbar, then click Properties.

3. Click the Navigation tab, then check the box next to Go to the desktop instead of Start when I sign in.

4. Click OK, then reboot. Windows should plunk you right into Desktop.

Click to expand...

When you type a folder name on the start screen, it will present the content of that folder.

I have no problem with accessing the desktop using 8.1. I typed in a file name from my desktop on the start screen. The system replied with a lot of options but none of them were the one I was looking for. One name I typed in was "Kids." I was looking for a file I have on my desktop called "Kids Photos." I was shown a lot of folders named Kids songs/pictures/dictionary/ etc.. In a lot of cases I am looking for a specific file and have forgotten the correct name and am at a loss how to search for it. The word search I could do in the Start Menu in Win7 was a real life saver. Thanks for the guidance so far. Is there any way to get back Win7?

PapaK

Windows Key + F will redirect you to the files search screen.

Easiest way tho is to open file explorer, select a folder and do the search from there. Also don't put files on the desktop use the libraries subfolders, it's much better to organize files. You can always put an icon to User's files on your desktop for quick access (right click on desktop > personnalize > change desktop icons > check user's files

Try Classic Shell if you miss win 7, it's really good and free (link in post from ztruker).

I tried Ztrucker's suggestion to bring back Win7 START Menu. After the download nothing happened. This morning it was there when I hit start. I don't know how you did it, but it worked. I think this may be the solution to my problem. Thank you one and all! ! !

Papa K