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Are you trying to find all the video files on your Windows 10 computer, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you have a large collection of videos scattered throughout your computer and you just can’t seem to locate them all. Whatever the reason, finding all your video files can be a daunting task. However, it’s not impossible if you know the right techniques. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to help you find all your video files on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the different methods, there are a few things you’ll need to make sure of to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, make sure that all your videos are stored on the Windows 10 drive. Secondly, check that the videos have the correct file extension, which is usually ‘.mp4’, ‘.avi’, ‘.wmv’, ‘.mov’, ‘.mkv’, or ‘.3gp’. Finally, ensure that you have administrator privileges on your computer to carry out the methods described below.
What Requires Your Focus?
To find all your video files, you will need to focus on mastering the different methods that we will explore below. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose the method that best suits your needs. It’s also important to remember that some methods can be time-consuming, while others could yield incomplete results if not followed correctly.
Different Methods to Find All Video Files on Windows 10
Method 1: Using Windows File Explorer Search
If you have some idea of where your video files might be stored on your Windows 10 drive, then using the File Explorer search function could be a quick and easy way to locate them.
Steps:
1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the location on your Windows 10 drive where you want to search for video files.
3. Type ‘.mp4’ or another video file extension of your choice into the search bar.
4. Press enter, and all the video files with that file extension located in that folder will be displayed.
Pros:
– Quick and simple.
– Built-in function.
Cons:
– Can only search one folder at a time.
– Results may not be comprehensive if the search is not conducted correctly.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
Using Command Prompt is another way to search all your video files on Windows 10. It is one of the easiest methods and can be accomplished using a few simple commands.
Steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R.
2. Type ‘cmd’ and press enter to open Command Prompt.
3. Type the following command: dir *.mp4 /s /p
4. Press enter, and a list of all .mp4 video files on your Windows 10 drive will be displayed.
Pros:
– Quick and simple.
– Built-in function.
Cons:
– Results can be difficult to analyze.
– Not the most comprehensive method.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Search Tool
If you want to find all your video files on Windows 10 without using Windows’ built-in search functions, you can install a third-party search tool that provides advanced search options.
Steps:
1. Download and install the search tool of your choice.
2. Launch the program and select the folder or drive you want to search.
3. Type ‘.mp4’ or another video file extension of your choice into the search bar.
4. Click ‘search’, and the program will display all the video files with that file extension on your Windows 10 drive.
Pros:
– More advanced search options.
– Can search for video files in multiple folders or drives.
Cons:
– Requires installation of third-party software.
– Some search tools may not be free.
Method 4: Using Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that can be used to find all your video files on Windows 10. However, it requires some coding knowledge and is best suited for advanced users.
Steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R.
2. Type ‘powershell’ and press enter to open Windows PowerShell.
3. Type the following command: Get-ChildItem -Path C:\* -Include *.mp4 -Recurse
4. Press enter, and all the .mp4 video files on your Windows 10 drive will be displayed.
Pros:
– Powerful and comprehensive search functions.
– Can be used to execute complex tasks.
Cons:
– Requires knowledge of PowerShell syntax.
– Can be difficult for beginners to use.
Method 5: Using Windows Libraries
Windows Libraries allow you to combine multiple folders into one view, making it easier to search for files across various locations on your Windows 10 drive.
Steps:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the ‘Libraries’ section.
2. Click ‘New library’ to create a new library.
3. Name the library ‘Videos’ or whatever you like.
4. Right-click on the library and select ‘Properties’.
5. Click the ‘Add’ button and add all the folders where you store your videos.
6. Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.
7. Type ‘.mp4’ or another video file extension of your choice into the search bar, and all the videos with that file extension located in your folders will be displayed in the library.
Pros:
– Easier to search for files across various locations.
– Can be customized to fit your needs.
Cons:
– Requires manual adding of folders to the library.
– May not always find all video files.
Why Can’t I Find All My Video Files on Windows 10?
There could be several reasons why you can’t find all your video files on Windows 10, such as:
1. You didn’t search the right folders.
2. The videos were accidentally deleted or moved to a new location.
3. The videos are stored in a format that is not recognized by Windows.
To fix these issues, you can try searching for the videos in different folders, checking the recycle bin or backup folders to restore deleted files, or converting the video format to a recognized one.
Implications and Recommendations
If you have a large collection of video files, it’s important to organize them properly to make searching for them in the future easier. You can use software such as Plex or Kodi to easily organize and watch your videos across all your devices. Additionally, you should regularly backup your video files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service to prevent data loss.
5 FAQs about Finding All Video Files on Windows 10
Q1: Can I find all my video files using the Windows 10 search function?
A: Yes, you can search for video files using the Windows 10 search function by typing the file extension into the search bar.
Q2: Can I find all my video files using Command Prompt?
A: Yes, using Command Prompt is an effective way to find all your video files on Windows 10.
Q3: Why can’t I find all my video files on Windows 10?
A: There could be several reasons why you can’t find all your video files on Windows 10, such as the videos being deleted or moved to a new location.
Q4: Do I need to install third-party software to find all my video files on Windows 10?
A: No, you can use the built-in search function or Windows PowerShell to find all your video files, but third-party software can offer more advanced search options.
Q5: How do I organize my video files?
A: You can use media management software such as Plex or Kodi to easily organize and watch your videos across all your devices.
Final Words
Finding all your video files on Windows 10 can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. The methods we’ve explored in this blog post are effective ways to find all your videos quickly and easily. Whether you use the built-in search function, third-party software, or Windows PowerShell, you can be sure that you’ll locate every video file on your Windows 10 drive.