How To Find All Photos On My Computer Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 17, 2025

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Finding all the photos scattered across your Windows 11 computer can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re trying to consolidate your images, back them up, or simply organize them, knowing the most efficient methods to locate every photo is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to help you find all photos on your Windows 11 computer, regardless of where they’re hiding.

With the right techniques, you can easily locate all your photos, saving you time and frustration. This guide will walk you through various search methods, including using File Explorer, Command Prompt, and even third-party software, ensuring that no image is left behind. Follow these steps to regain control over your photo collection.

Where Can I Find All My Photos on Windows 11?

Using File Explorer’s Search Function

File Explorer is your primary tool for navigating and managing files on Windows 11. Its built-in search function is powerful and can be customized to find specific file types, including photos.

Open File Explorer. You can do this by clicking the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
In the left-hand pane, select “This PC”. This ensures that your search covers all drives on your computer.
In the search bar at the top right, type “kind:=picture”. This tells File Explorer to search for all files categorized as pictures.
Press Enter. File Explorer will now display all the images found on your computer.
To refine your search, you can add additional criteria. For example, to search for only JPG files, type “kind:=picture .jpg”.

Leveraging the Command Prompt

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, Command Prompt offers a more direct way to find all photos. This method can be particularly useful for advanced searches and automation.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Type the following command and press Enter: dir /s /b *.jpg *.png *.gif *.bmp *.jpeg

/s tells the command to search in all subdirectories.
/b provides a “bare” listing, showing only the file paths.
*.jpg *.png *.gif *.bmp *.jpeg specifies the file extensions to search for.

The Command Prompt will list all files matching the specified extensions. You can redirect this output to a text file by adding > output.txt to the end of the command.

Utilizing Third-Party Photo Management Software

Several third-party photo management software options are available that offer advanced search and organization features. These tools often provide more user-friendly interfaces and additional functionalities like facial recognition and duplicate detection.

Research and choose a photo management software that suits your needs. Some popular options include Adobe Lightroom, ACDSee Photo Studio, and Google Photos (desktop version).
Download and install the software.
Follow the software’s instructions to scan your computer for photos. This process may take some time depending on the size of your photo collection.
Use the software’s search and filtering tools to find and organize your photos.

Checking Default Photo Storage Locations

Windows 11 has default locations where photos are often stored. Checking these locations can quickly reveal a significant portion of your photo collection.

Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the “Pictures” folder in your user profile (usually located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Pictures).
Check the “Downloads” folder (located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Downloads). Many photos downloaded from the internet end up here.
Examine the “OneDrive” folder if you use OneDrive. Photos synced from your phone or other devices may be stored here.

Tips for Efficient Photo Searching

Use Specific File Extensions: Narrowing your search to specific file extensions (e.g., “.jpg,” “.png”) can significantly speed up the process.
Combine Search Methods: Use File Explorer for quick searches and Command Prompt for more complex queries.
Regularly Organize Your Photos: Create a consistent folder structure to make finding photos easier in the future.
Utilize Cloud Storage: Consider using cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Photos to automatically back up and organize your photos.
Check External Drives: Don’t forget to check any external hard drives or USB drives where you might have stored photos.

Reclaiming Your Photo Library

By using these methods, you can consolidate your photos and keep them organized.

FAQ

How do I find hidden photos on Windows 11? To find hidden photos, open File Explorer, click on the “View” tab, and check the “Hidden items” box. This will display any hidden files and folders, including photos.

Can I use Windows Search to find photos? Yes, you can use Windows Search by typing keywords like “photos” or “pictures” into the search bar on the taskbar. However, using File Explorer’s search function with “kind:=picture” is more effective.

Why can’t I find all my photos using File Explorer? Ensure that you are searching “This PC” or specific drives. Also, check that the file extensions you are searching for are correct. Hidden folders may also prevent File Explorer from finding all photos.

Is it safe to use third-party photo management software? Yes, but choose reputable software from trusted developers. Read reviews and check for security features before downloading and installing any software.

How can I prevent photos from being scattered across my computer? Establish a consistent folder structure and regularly move photos to their designated folders. Use cloud storage services to automatically back up and organize your photos.

Photo Finding Methods Compared

Method	Ease of Use	Speed	Specificity	Additional Features
File Explorer	High	Medium	Medium	Basic file management
Command Prompt	Low	High	High	Advanced searches
Photo Management Software	Medium	Medium	High	Organization, editing
Default Locations	High	High	Low	Quick access

By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can efficiently find all the photos on your Windows 11 computer and maintain a well-organized photo library.