The find shortcut key is Ctrl + F. In Word, Excel, PDF readers and every browser it opens a small search box: type a word and the program jumps to the first match and highlights the rest. F3 or Enter moves to the next match.
Searching the computer itself is a different key. Win + S opens Windows search, where you can type the name of a file, an app or a setting. Both kinds of search shortcut are covered below.
Quick facts
Find in a page or file
Ctrl + FNext match
F3 or EnterPrevious match
Shift + F3Search Windows
Win + SSearch inside a folder
Ctrl + E in File ExplorerMac
Command + F
Find shortcut key in common programs
| Program | Keys | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome and Edge | Ctrl + F | Shows how many matches, e.g. 3 of 12 |
| Word | Ctrl + F | Opens the Navigation pane with all results |
| Excel | Ctrl + F | Searches the sheet; Options to search the workbook |
| PDF reader | Ctrl + F | Only works if the PDF has real text |
| File Explorer | Ctrl + F or Ctrl + E | Searches the open folder and subfolders |
How to find a word on a page
- Press Ctrl + F. A box opens at the top or side.
- Type the word or number you are looking for.
- Press Enter or F3 for the next match, Shift + F3 or Shift + Enter to go back.
- Press Esc to close the box.
Search for a short, unusual part of the text. Searching for an invoice number finds the line faster than searching for the customer's common surname.
Shortcut for search in Windows
Press Win + S or simply tap Win and start typing. Windows searches apps, settings, documents and the web. Type calc for Calculator, bluetooth for Bluetooth settings, or part of a file name. Use the tabs at the top to show only Documents or only Apps. Inside File Explorer, Ctrl + E jumps to the folder search box, which is quicker when you know roughly where the file lives.
Find and replace
Changing what you find is a separate box: Ctrl + H opens Find and Replace in Word, Excel and Notepad. The replace shortcut key guide explains Replace All safely. In Word, Ctrl + G opens Go To, for jumping to a page number instead of a word.
When find does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No results in a PDF | It is a scanned picture; the text cannot be searched |
| Excel finds nothing | Check Look in: Values or Formulas, and Within: Sheet or Workbook |
| Browser box closes at once | Click inside the page first, then press Ctrl + F |
| Windows search is slow | Indexing is still running after an update; give it time |
Find on a Mac
Mac apps use Command + F to find and Command + G for the next match. The Mac's own system wide search, the counterpart of Windows search, opens with Command + Space. Both systems also let you search inside the Settings window by typing in its search box, which is quicker than browsing through menus for an option such as display scaling. Related keys are on the Ctrl A to Z list and the editing shortcuts hub; Excel searching is also in Excel shortcut keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the find shortcut key?
What is the shortcut key for search in Windows?
How do I find the next match?
Press F3 or Enter.
What is the shortcut key of find in Word?
How do I search inside a folder?
Open it in File Explorer and press Ctrl + E.