How to Search Files and Folders in Google Drive on the Web

It can be difficult to browse through hundreds of files just to find the one you need. So, try searching Drive instead.

In Drive’s search box, enter a word or phrase. To help you search faster, Drive suggests search terms as you enter text. Click one of the suggestions to open it, or click Search search to see a list of results.

On the web

Search for files or folders in Drive:

Advanced search options: In the search box, click the Down arrow to see the search options. Choose any option or combination of options to filter your results further.

Sorting options: Click Sort options to sort files in any of these ways:

Last modified—See items that were recently modified by anyone (not just you). This might help you keep track of things that your collaborators have recently changed.

Last edited by me—See the files or folder that you’ve changed.

Last opened by me—Find files you recently opened, regardless of whether you’ve edited them. This is a great way to get back to items you were recently viewing, if you accidentally closed a tab in your browser, or if you didn’t bookmark something.

Name—See your files in alphabetical order.
Search a folder in Drive:
You can only search folders that are in My Drive or Team Drives. If you want to search a folder that is shared with you, you need to add the folder to My Drive first.

In the search box, click the Down arrow and in the Advanced search window, go to the Location field.

(Optional) To search for a specific word or phrase related to the file or folder, enter the word or phrase in the search box.

Next to Location, click Anywhere and choose the location you want to search.

When you find the folder you want to search, click Select.
Click SEARCH to open the folder and search for your file.