Windows can’t find your files? No surprise--default search often misses the mark. Learn how to set up desktop search properly ...

2. Microsoft's Windows File Recovery Microsoft provides a free command-line utility for Windows 10 and 11 that tries to recover deleted files.

If you want to see recently opened files in Windows 11, then open Recent Items folder, use File Explorer Home, Taskbar, Start menu, etc.

Windows Search doesn't look particularly effective. But with a little knowledge and tweaking, you can find almost anything you're looking for.