Documentation

System requirements and compatibility

Everything you need to know before installing FindWise: supported systems, minimum hardware, and how to get the most accurate search results.

Supported operating systems

FindWise is designed to run exclusively on the following Microsoft Windows operating systems (each, a “Supported Operating System”):

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server 2025

FindWise is a Windows-only, offline desktop application. It is not designed, tested, or supported for use on any other operating system, including but not limited to macOS, Linux, or any Windows version or edition not explicitly listed above.

Minimum hardware and system requirements

Processor

x64-compatible

File system

NTFS

Cores

4 physical or logical cores, minimum

Memory

8 GB RAM, minimum

Storage

3 GB free SSD space, minimum

Working with drives

FindWise is intended for use with internal drives only.

External drives that are plugged and unplugged frequently may not produce the expected results, because FindWise cannot track file changes on a drive while it is disconnected.

Before running an initial index or a re-index, it is recommended to detach all external drives.

Running on a server

Do not delete the software before logging out. On a server, the session stays active until the user logs out, and removing FindWise beforehand can leave the session in an unexpected state.

Search tips

For the best results, type at least 50% of the file or folder name correctly, either from the start or from the end of the name.

Smart ranking

If smart ranking does not return the result you expect, try a different search method, such as raw fuzzy search, or adjust the sorting options.

Excluded system files

By default, FindWise excludes system files from search results. To include them, enable the “Show excluded files” option, and they will appear in your search like any other file.