File explorer search syntax refers to the specific rules and operators you can use in your computer's file search bar to precisely filter results. It goes beyond basic keyword matching by allowing commands that target file properties like name, type, date modified, size, or content. This advanced syntax differs from simple searches by letting you combine multiple criteria using operators such as AND, OR, NOT (or -), quotes for exact phrases, and wildcards (* for multiple characters, ? for a single character).

For instance, searching report*.docx modified:last week finds Microsoft Word documents starting with "report" edited in the prior seven days. Similarly, size:>10MB kind:image locates image files larger than ten megabytes. Major operating systems like Windows, macOS (Spotlight), and popular Linux desktop environments support these advanced filters to varying degrees within their native file managers.

This advanced search significantly improves efficiency in locating specific files, especially in large collections. However, limitations exist: specific operators and property names (kind:, date:, size:) often depend on the operating system and explorer application, requiring users to learn the available syntax for their platform. Looking ahead, future development might include more natural language understanding alongside traditional syntax.