Windows

How To Find All Photos On My Computer Windows 8

Finding all the photos on your computer can sometimes be a daunting task. But fear not, as Windows 8 provides a simple and efficient way to locate all your precious memories. Whether you're looking to organize your photo collection or simply reminisce, discovering all the photos on your Windows 8 computer is easier than you might think.

Windows 8 offers a built-in search feature that allows you to quickly find all the photos on your computer. By simply typing "photos" in the search bar, the operating system will display a list of all the photo files stored on your device. This hassle-free method saves you valuable time and ensures that no cherished memories go unnoticed.




Introduction: Understanding the Process of Finding All Photos on Windows 8

Windows 8, released by Microsoft in 2012, introduced a wide range of new features and enhancements to the operating system, including improvements in file management and organization. One common task for users is finding all the photos stored on their Windows 8 computer. Whether you're looking to organize your collection, locate a specific image, or back up your pictures, knowing how to find all photos on your computer is essential. In this article, we will explore different methods and strategies to locate and access all your photos quickly and efficiently in Windows 8.

Using File Explorer to Find Photos

The File Explorer in Windows 8 is a powerful tool that allows you to navigate through folders and files on your computer. To find all the photos on your Windows 8 computer using File Explorer, you can follow these steps:

  • Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
  • In the File Explorer window, navigate to the location where you believe your photos might be stored. This can be the Pictures folder, the Downloads folder, or any other location where you typically save your photos.
  • In the search box located at the top-right corner of the File Explorer window, type "*.jpg" (without the quotes) and press Enter. This will search for all files with the .jpg extension, which is the most common file format for photos.
  • The search results will display all the photos with the .jpg extension in the selected folder or directory. You can browse through the results and open any photo by double-clicking on it.

This method is a quick and straightforward way to find all photos stored in a particular location on your Windows 8 computer. However, keep in mind that it will only list photos with the .jpg extension. If you have photos in other file formats, such as .png or .bmp, you may need to modify the search criteria accordingly.

Searching by Date or Other Attributes

If you're looking for photos based on specific attributes, such as the date they were taken or the file size, the File Explorer in Windows 8 offers additional search options. Here's how you can refine your search:

  • Open the File Explorer and navigate to the desired location where you want to search for photos.
  • In the search box, click on the "Search" tab in the File Explorer toolbar.
  • Click on the "Date modified" dropdown menu to search by date. You can choose from predefined options like "Today," "Yesterday," or specify a custom date range.
  • You can also search by other attributes such as file size, keywords, or file type. Click on "Size," "Kind," or "Other properties" dropdown menus to refine your search accordingly.
  • The search results will display all the photos that match the specified criteria. You can navigate through the results and open the photos of interest.

By using these additional search options, you can easily narrow down your search and find photos based on specific attributes. This can be especially useful if you're looking for photos taken within a certain time frame or photos of a particular size.

Using the Photos App

In addition to using File Explorer, you can also utilize the built-in Photos app in Windows 8 to find all photos on your computer. Here's how:

  • Open the Photos app by clicking on the Start button and searching for "Photos."
  • In the Photos app, you will see different albums and categories such as "Collection," "Albums," and "Folders." Click on the "Folders" tab.
  • The "Folders" tab will display all the folders on your computer where photos are stored. Click on a folder to view the photos inside.
  • You can navigate through different folders and subfolders to find all the photos on your computer. The Photos app offers a visually pleasing and organized way to view your photos.

The Photos app provides a user-friendly interface to browse and manage your photos. It automatically detects and scans folders on your computer where photos are typically stored, making it easy to find and access all your images in one place.

Performing a System-wide Search for Photos

If you're unsure about the specific location of your photos or have photos scattered throughout your Windows 8 computer, performing a system-wide search can help you find all your photos at once. Here's how you can perform a search:

  • Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  • In the search bar, type "*.jpg" (without the quotes). This will search for all files with the .jpg extension in your entire computer.
  • Wait for the search results to populate. This may take some time depending on the number of files and the performance of your computer.
  • The search results will display all the photos with the .jpg extension from various folders and locations on your computer. You can browse through the results and open any photo by double-clicking on it.

Performing a system-wide search is useful when you're not sure about the specific location of your photos or if you have them saved in multiple folders. However, keep in mind that the search results will only display photos with the .jpg extension. If you have photos in different formats, you may need to modify the search criteria accordingly.

Using Third-Party Software to Find Photos

In addition to the built-in methods mentioned above, you can also utilize third-party software designed specifically for photo management and organization. These software programs often offer advanced search capabilities, facial recognition, metadata filtering, and other useful features. Here are a few popular options:

Software Description
Adobe Lightroom A professional-grade software for photo management, editing, and organization. It offers powerful search features and advanced editing capabilities.
Google Photos An online platform that allows you to store, organize, and search for photos. It offers features like automatic backup, facial recognition, and intelligent search.
XnView A lightweight and versatile image viewer and organizer. It supports a wide range of file formats and offers basic search and filtering options.

These are just a few examples of the many third-party software options available. Before choosing a specific software, consider your needs and preferences, as well as the features offered by each program.

Exploring Another Dimension: Finding Photos in Windows 8 Apps

In addition to the previously mentioned methods of finding photos on your Windows 8 computer, several built-in apps also provide access to your photo collection. These apps offer unique features and alternative ways to browse and manage your photos.

Using the Photos Hub App

The Photos Hub app in Windows 8 consolidates all your photos from various sources, such as your local storage, OneDrive cloud storage, and social media platforms like Facebook. Here's how you can use the Photos Hub app to find your photos:

  • Open the Photos Hub app by clicking on the Start button and searching for "Photos Hub."
  • In the Photos Hub, you will see different categories such as "Favorites," "Albums," "Collections," and "Folders." Click on the category that corresponds to your desired photo collection.
  • The Photos Hub app will display all the photos from the selected collection. You can browse through the photos and view them individually or in a slideshow.

The Photos Hub app provides a centralized location to access and manage your photos from different sources. It offers an integrated experience and allows for easy sharing and synchronization of your photo collection across multiple devices.

Using the OneDrive App

If you have your photos stored in the OneDrive cloud storage, you can use the OneDrive app in Windows 8 to find and access your photos. Follow these steps:

  • Open the OneDrive app by clicking on the Start button and searching for "OneDrive."
  • In the OneDrive app, navigate to the "Pictures" folder or any other folder where you have stored your photos.
  • The OneDrive app will display all the photos in the selected folder. You can preview the photos, organize them into albums, and even share them directly from the app.

The OneDrive app offers seamless integration with the cloud storage platform, making it easy to access and manage your photos across different devices. It also provides features like automatic backup, file synchronization, and easy sharing options.

Using Other Photo Editing and Management Apps

Windows 8 also supports a wide range of third-party photo editing and management apps available through the Microsoft Store. These apps provide additional features, filters, effects, and advanced editing capabilities. Some popular photo editing apps include Adobe Photoshop Express, Fotor, and Pixlr. To find and download these apps:

  • Open the Microsoft Store app by clicking on the Start button and searching for "Microsoft Store."
  • In the Microsoft Store, search for the desired photo editing or management app using keywords like "photo editor" or "photo manager."
  • Select a relevant app from the search results, click on it, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the app on your Windows 8 computer.
  • Once installed, you can use the app to import, edit, and organize your photos according to your preferences.

These third-party apps offer a wide range of creative possibilities and advanced editing capabilities. They can complement the built-in Windows 8 apps and enhance your overall photo management and editing experience.

By following the methods and utilizing the built-in apps and third-party software mentioned in this article, you can effectively find and access all the photos on your Windows 8 computer. Whether you prefer using File Explorer, the Photos app, or third-party software, there are various options to suit your needs and preferences.


How To Find All Photos On My Computer Windows 8

Finding All Photos on Windows 8

If you're wondering how to locate all the photos on your Windows 8 computer, you're in the right place. Follow these steps to find all your precious memories:

Step 1: Use the File Explorer

The File Explorer is a powerful tool that allows you to navigate through your computer's files and folders. Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key and E simultaneously.

Step 2: Search for Image Files

In the File Explorer, use the search bar located in the top right corner. Type ".jpg" or ".png" to search for image files. Windows 8 will then display a list of all the photos on your computer. You can also narrow down your search by specifying a particular folder or date range.

Step 3: Organize and Preserve Your Photos

Once you've located all your photos, it's a good idea to organize them into folders or albums. This will make it easier to find and browse through your collection in the future. Remember to back up your photos regularly to ensure they are safe.

With these steps, you can effortlessly find all the photos on your Windows 8 computer and keep your precious memories organized and secure.


Key Takeaways: How to Find All Photos on My Computer Windows 8

  • Use the File Explorer to search for photos in Windows 8.
  • Click on the "This PC" option in the File Explorer to access your computer's drives.
  • Type "*.jpg" or "*.png" in the search bar to filter the search results for image files.
  • Arrange the search results by date to easily find the most recent photos.
  • Create a dedicated folder to store all your photos to keep them organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about how to find all photos on your computer running Windows 8.

1. Where can I find all the photos stored on my Windows 8 computer?

To find all the photos on your Windows 8 computer, you can start by opening the "File Explorer" by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard. In the File Explorer window, navigate to the "Pictures" folder. This folder usually contains all the photos stored on your computer. You can also search for specific photos by using the search bar at the top right corner of the File Explorer window.

Alternatively, you can also use the Windows search feature to locate your photos. Simply click on the Start button and type "Photos" in the search bar. This will bring up the Photos app, where you can browse through all the photos stored on your computer.

2. Is there a way to organize my photos on Windows 8?

Yes, you can organize your photos on Windows 8 to make it easier to find and browse through them. One way to do this is by creating folders within the "Pictures" folder to categorize your photos. For example, you can create separate folders for "Vacation Photos," "Family Photos," and "Work Photos." To create a new folder, right-click within the Pictures folder and select "New" > "Folder."

You can also add tags to your photos to further organize them. Right-click on a photo, select "Properties," and go to the "Details" tab. Here, you can add tags such as the location, date, or event associated with the photo. These tags can then be used to search for and filter your photos.

3. Can I view all the photos in a slideshow on Windows 8?

Absolutely! Windows 8 allows you to view all your photos in a slideshow. Simply open the "Photos" app by clicking on the Start button and typing "Photos" in the search bar. Once the app is open, click on the "Slideshow" option at the top right corner. This will automatically start a slideshow of all the photos stored on your computer.

You can customize the slideshow settings by clicking on the "Settings" icon at the bottom right corner. Here, you can choose the slideshow speed, add transition effects, and even select specific folders to include or exclude in the slideshow.

4. Can I transfer my photos from Windows 8 to an external storage device?

Yes, you can easily transfer your photos from Windows 8 to an external storage device such as a USB drive or an external hard drive. Simply connect the storage device to your computer. Then, open the "File Explorer" and navigate to the "Pictures" folder. Select the photos you want to transfer by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each photo. Right-click on one of the selected photos and choose "Copy."

Next, go to the location where you want to transfer the photos, such as the external storage device's folder. Right-click within the folder and select "Paste." This will copy the photos from your computer to the external storage device. Make sure to safely eject the storage device before disconnecting it from your computer.

5. How can I back up my photos on Windows 8 to protect them from loss?

Backing up your photos is essential to protect them from loss. Windows 8 offers several options for backing up your photos:

- External Storage Devices: You can regularly transfer your photos to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or an external hard drive, as mentioned in the previous question. This ensures that you have a separate copy of your photos stored in a different location.

- Cloud Storage: Windows 8 has a built-in feature called "OneDrive" that allows you to store your files, including photos, in the cloud. You can upload your photos to your OneDrive account and access them from any device with an internet connection. To use OneDrive, sign in with your Microsoft account and follow the prompts to set up the synchronization.

By regularly backing up your photos using one or both of these methods, you can ensure that your precious memories are safe even in the event of a computer failure or loss


In conclusion, finding all photos on your Windows 8 computer is a simple process that can be done using the built-in search feature. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly locate and organize your photo collection.

First, open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E, then navigate to the folder where you suspect your photos are located. Enter ".jpg" in the search bar, and Windows will display all the JPG image files in that folder and its subfolders. You can also refine the search further by specifying a certain date range or other parameters.


Recent Post