How to search multiple file types from Windows Explorer search box?

Question

I would like to use the Windows Explorer Search box to search for multiple file types.

Is there any supported syntax to do so?

I tried:

*.docx *.xlsx
*.docx, *.xlsx
*.docx; *.xlsx
*.docx or *.xlsx
*.docx | *.xlsx

But none of this works (while *.docx or *.xlsx alone works)

Better alternative to Windows Explorer Search box. Use Everything — AEonAX, Commented May 28, 2015 at 9:01

0m3r · Accepted Answer · 2016-07-21 07:09:58Z

44

Enter it like this

*.txt OR *.PDF OR *.xls

Keep OR capital letters

answered May 28, 2015 at 8:49

0m3r

1,14711 silver badges17 bronze badges

1

Why "OR" ? This is the most non-standard thing I could think about...
– android developer
Commented Sep 4, 2016 at 12:53
@androiddeveloper You asked why someone would use the word OR inside a search expression, such as *.ppt OR *.odp. The English word "OR" is similar, but not the same, as the word "OR" in Mathematics and Computer Science. The search expression has different syntax, but identical semmantics, to the following : "search for files X such that file X has a name ending in .ppt or a name ending in .odp". The name of the file could end in .ppt or the name of the file could end in .odp
– Toothpick Anemone
Commented Jan 28 at 23:10

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Mokubai · Accepted Answer · 2017-12-28 13:20:44Z

2

You can also use wildcards (*, ?) in the search box as follows.

EXT: .txt OR .pdf OR .xls OR .doc*

Mokubai♦

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answered Dec 27, 2017 at 17:22

Mark Pritchard

311 bronze badge

Is it not necessary to use parens ext:( ... )?
– Qwerty
Commented Oct 11, 2021 at 11:47

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2 Answers 2