How do I perform a Search in Windows 8?

You can perform a Search using the Search Charm. By using the search charm, you can search for Desktop applications, and Start apps, PC settings and Control Panels or Files. It can also be used to search within individual apps. For example, if you invoke the Search charm from within the Music app, Search will automatically search your songs by default.

Searching for Apps:

1. From the Start screen, type the item you want to search.
2. Windows 8 will return a list of apps that you are searching for.

Note: If you are not in Start screen, press the Windows key, then start to type the name of the app you want to search.

Searching for Settings:

1. Press Windows key + W key to go to the Search charm ‘Setting’ box. Alternatively, you can access the Search charm by pressing Windows key + C key, then select Search -> Settings box.
2. Type the item you want to search. Windows 8 will return a list of items from within the Settings by default.

Searching for Files:

1. Press Windows key + F to go to the Search Charm ‘Files’ box. Alternatively, you can access the Search charm by pressing Windows key + C key, then select Search -> Files box.
2. Type the filename you want to search. Windows 8 will make suggestions based on the text you have typed. It also searches based on the properties of the files within the system.