A reader asked if there was a Windows feature similar to Smart Folders on Mac. Smart Folders allow you to sort documents, images, and more by setting up parameters like size, date created, and type. For example, I could create a folder that would contain only documents created in the past seven days. That folder would continually update so that I always had a folder containing documents created in the past seven days.
The interesting thing about Smart Folders is that they really aren&#;t creating new folders at all. It&#;s just a very convenient way to save a search of your existing folders. You can do the same thing with Windows File Explorer (Not to be confused with Internet Explorer, File Explorer is the file manager for Windows).
Let&#;s learn how. We&#;ll start by clicking on the File Explorer icon to open the app.
Here&#;s what File Explorer looks like when you open it.
Let&#;s look at how you can create and save an advanced search. Start by clicking in the Search field at the top right of Explorer and start typing.
The Search Options will now display at the top of the window.
You can choose to search the current folder or all folders or system files. Yo
Windows Smart Folders is a useful feature that allows users to save their searches and easily access them later. By setting up Smart Folders, users can quickly find the files and documents they need without having to manually search for them each time. This article will guide you through the process of setting up Windows Smart Folders and saving your searches.
What are Windows Smart Folders?
Windows Smart Folders are virtual folders that contain search results based on specific criteria. Instead of manually searching for files and documents every time you need them, you can save your searches as Smart Folders and access them with just a few clicks. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently access the same files or documents.
How to Set Up Windows Smart Folders?
Setting up Windows Smart Folders is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Follow the instructions below to create your own Smart Folders and save your searches.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To begin, open File Explorer on your Windows computer. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar or by searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: Perform a Search
Next
Quickly and Easily Create Folders in Windows By Dragging and Dropping Files
If you use iOS or Android devices, you're familiar with the drag-and-drop method of creating folders. If you like that method of grouping files, you can get the same functionality on your Windows PC using a free utility, called Smart Folders.
Smart Folders helps you quickly organize your files, such as images, documents, and audio files, without having to create separate folders before you move the files. Simply drag one file on top of another file to create a new folder.
To use Smart Folders to easily create folders, double-click on the .exe file you downloaded (see the link at the end of this article).
If the User Account Control dialog box displays, click Yes to continue.
NOTE: You may not see this dialog box, depending on your User Account Control settings.
The Smart Folders window displays. To be able to create folders using drag-and-drop click Install.
A dialog box displays telling you that Smart Folders has been successfully installed. Click OK to close the dialog box.
NOTE: Installing Smart Folders restarts Windows Explorer, so any Explorer windows you have open will close automatically.
Creating multiple folders to organize files can be tedious and time-consuming in Windows. The usual method involves right-clicking on the root folder, navigating to ‘New,’ and selecting ‘Folder’.
On iOS and Android, creating a new folder is faster through a simple drag-and-drop, which works for single or multiple files. This is how Smart Folders works.
Smart Folders is a free desktop app that lets you instantly create new folders by dragging and dropping files, emulating the seamless experience from iOS and Android on Windows.
Install Smart Folders
- Download Smart Folders and run the downloaded file. A small Smart Folders window will appear.
- Click the Install button. A notification will indicate that installation is complete.
Start Creating New Folders
- Highlight any group of files you want to organize into a new folder.
- Drag and drop them onto the file you want to group them with.
- A prompt will ask you to name the new folder. Enter the name you want to use.
- Click OK, and your new folder will be created with the specified name.
Conclusion
Smart Folders works on Windows 7, Vista, and 10, supporting both bit and bit systems. For Windows XP users, if
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