Locate32 for Windows

Name: Locate32
Rating: 3.8 (12 reviews)
Author: Locate32

Download now

Used Locate32 for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 26, 2026

Locate32 creates a searchable database of your file names for rapid retrieval. It operates similarly to Unix locate commands, ensuring swift searches.

Top Recommended Alternative

Replace Tool

Trial version

Pros
- Saves file names to a database for quick access.
- Provides very fast searching speed.
- Utilizes databases for efficient directory structure information.
- Includes both dialog and console applications.
- Supports updating and accessing databases.
Cons
No Cons available

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 20, 2012

Latest update: February 26, 2026

Version: 3.1.11.7100

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows Vista
Windows NT
Windows 7
Windows 98
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows 2003
Windows ME

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 10,502

Downloads Last Week: 0

Report Software

Program available in other languages

Descargar Locate32

Last Updated

User Reviews

3.8/5

12 User Votes

Finds Files in a Flash
Ir-Comm18April 3, 2018
Pros
Once it indexes your docs, it finds what you need in a split scond. I've used it for about 10 years and have been very happy with it the entire time. The zip file does contain "locate32.exe". You need to unzip the files, ensure you can see all file types and click on locate32.exe to start the program. Then you have to create your database (this takes some time) and set your settings the way you like it (such as, use space as separator for searches). I normally create a shortcut to locate32.exe so I can easily start it. No more worries where my file might be!
Cons
It is no longer maintained by the author. Some have said it will not update the database autormatically, but I saw an option "Scheduled updates" in it. I never used this option since I like doing it manually when I know I need it.
Summary
In general, it is not as automatic as some modern-day programs and may require getting used to it, but it does its job better than anything else I've found.
There is no installer nor exe file
florino-2009July 21, 2016
Pros
0, zero, nada.
Cons
Doesn't even install. Wasted my time, spoiled my mood, and damaged CNET's reputation.
Summary
Can I say "crap" here?
Can't review it because I can't open it.
standuncanOctober 27, 2014
Pros
Don't know. The others say it's good, but I can't tell.
Cons
No executable file, just a collection of program parts that don't (for me) open to do anything. All of the files that LOOK like they would open a program don't.
Summary
See #4 above.
Very useful.
os2amd64May 11, 2014
Pros
Works great, doesn't get in my way, has the functionality I need.
Cons
No cons...
Summary
Get real already...how about an install executable?
Steve70638February 10, 2014
Pros
Who knows? I refuse to install software without an executable install program.
Cons
Let's see...to start out, there is no proper installation program so this thing just comes with a zip file for the user to put the files in the right places. There is no detailed installation documentation. Secondly this program does not have (that I can tell) any time initiated way of keeping the data updated.
Summary
This is a toolkit, not a product.
excellent and works as promised
Raajagopal-venkatesanSeptember 20, 2013
Pros
very fast,saves time and reduce the stress, really good for numerous file management, i am worried as the rating 5 is low
Cons
not able to find
Summary
more than excellent
Works as Advertised
jurgfellaJanuary 17, 2013
Pros
Very fast searching. You do have to keep the database updated, but in my tests, database updates in about 5 seconds. Text searching will obviously take longer, but this utility is ideal for finding files as opposed to text.
Cons
No cons found yet.
Summary
1 less Windows speed bottle-neck!!
shreddedguycanJanuary 26, 2012
Pros
Using it for about 3 years. So much better than Windows indexing. Easily 10 times faster than Windows search providing the database has been updated. Bit of a learning curve. Recommend newbies use the default settings until they become a little more savvy with computers or the program. I am a full-time researcher on the internet with 5 internal Hard Drive's & 1 exterior USB 3.0 HD. Don't know what I'd do without that little gem of a program.
Cons
A little bit of a learning curve.
Summary
Tried a few software, search programs, about 2007 & they all sucked. Came across a computer magazine article that recommended this "locate32" software. Tried it & haven't needed anything else since. I highly recommend trying it!
Works in Windows 7 x6
PixelMetricsNovember 4, 2010
Pros
Works in Windows 7 x64. Lightweight, very simple interface and results.
Cons
Searching file contents seems an afterthought, buried on the Advanced tab.
Summary
Works fantastically well
ederosiaFebruary 28, 2010
Pros
This is a fantastic replacement for Micro$oft's lame built-in search for Win 7. I'm using locate32 on Win 7 64-bit, and it works like a charm!
Cons
No cons found yet
Summary
I thought this might be a scam, but it's a fantastic piece of software.

Developer’s Description

By Locate32

Save file names in your hard drives to file database.

Locate32 saves names of all files in your hard drives to file database. After that you can locate files, very fast. It works like updated and locate commands in Unix based systems. In other words, it uses databases to store information about directory structures and uses these databases in searches. The use of these databases provides very fast searching speed. The software includes a dialog based application as well as console programs which can be used to both update and access databases.

Locate32 for Windows

Editors’ Review

Top Recommended Alternative

Replace Tool

Pros

Cons