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Fast, Focused Text Search and Replace
The Windows built-in search is slow, unreliable, and lacks any replace functionality. Simple Search-Replace was built to be fast and focused -- search for text, replace it, done. No bloat, no unnecessary features. It searches entire directories and subdirectories, replacing text across thousands of files in seconds.
Features include backup support (create copies before modifying), case-sensitive or insensitive matching, file type filtering, results displayed with the ability to double-click to open files, right-click context menu (delete, save to file, copy path), drag and drop directories, Windows Explorer folder integration (right-click a folder), system tray support, multiple instances, find/replace dropdown history, ignore specific files or extensions, customizable default programs, date range filtering, and CSV export. Full command-line support enables batch automation for scripted workflows.
All options are remembered between sessions. Fully portable -- no installation required. Just download and run from any folder or USB drive.
Who Is This For?
- Web developers -- Update copyright years, change URLs, fix code across project files.
- IT professionals -- Batch update configuration files across servers and workstations.
- Writers and editors -- Find and fix typos, update terminology across documents.
- Anyone -- who needs to find or replace text in multiple files at once.
Key Features
Lightning Fast
Search and replace across thousands of files in seconds.
Batch Replace
Replace text in all matching files at once with automatic backup support.
Command Line
Full command-line support for automated batch processing and scripting.
Explorer Integration
Right-click any folder in Windows Explorer to search its contents.
Smart Filtering
Filter by file type, date range, file size, or ignore specific files and extensions.
Results Management
View, sort, delete, export to CSV, or print search results.
Fully Portable -- Zero Installation
No Installation Required Runs directly from an .exe file. No setup wizard, no "Next, Next, Finish."
Runs From USB Copy to a flash drive and use on any PC. IT techs carry these on a keychain for on-site support.
Leaves No Trace No files left behind after use. Delete the folder and it is gone completely.
No Registry Changes Does not modify the Windows registry, system settings, or install drivers.
Self-Contained Everything the program needs lives in its own folder. No scattered DLLs or AppData clutter.
No Admin Rights Needed Runs under standard user accounts. No UAC prompts, no IT ticket required.
Lightweight Tiny footprint, typically under 1 MB. No frameworks, runtimes, or bloated dependencies.
Instant Startup Launches in under a second. No splash screens, no loading bars, no waiting.
Command Line Options
search.exe [options]
-s "search text" Text to search for
-r "replace text" Text to replace with
-d "directory" Directory to search
-f "file types" File type filter (e.g., "*.html")
-sub Include subdirectories
-case Case-sensitive search
-backup Create backup files before replacing
How It Works
- Select a directory -- or drag and drop a folder onto the application.
- Enter your search text -- and optional replacement text.
- Click Search -- to find all matching files.
- Review results -- in the Results tab.
- Click Replace -- to update all files (with optional backup).
Windows Support
Win 11
Win 10
Win 8
Win 7
Server 2022
Server 2019
Server 2012
Server 2011
Server 2008 R2
Legacy Windows Support
Vista
XP
ME
98
95
Server 2003
Server 2000
NT Server
Download Simple Search-Replace
Screenshots
The main screen provides directory selection, search and replace text fields, file type filtering, and options for subdirectory scanning and case sensitivity.
Performing a batch text replacement -- in this example, updating copyright years across all HTML files in a directory.
The Results tab lists all matching files. Double-click to open a file, or right-click for options like delete, save to file, and copy file path.
The right-click context menu provides quick access to delete files, remove from results, save the list, copy file paths, and open with custom programs.
Configure Windows Explorer folder integration, system tray behavior, and default open programs through the settings dialog.
Configure backup options to automatically create copies of files before they are modified, protecting your originals.
Customize which programs are available in the "Open With" menu for different file types.
Set the default program used when double-clicking files in the results list.
Version History
v1.08
December 22, 2011
Added option to search for files without searching for text.
Added menu access for command-line options.
Added date range limiting for file search.
Added file size column to results.
Fixed command-line -R option.
v1.07
December 24, 2009
Added command-line replace option.
Added multiple monitor support.
Added drag and drop for directories.
Added remove from results feature.
Added backup file extension handling.
v1.06
February 17, 2007
Added basic command-line support.
Added column sorting.
Added Save option.
Added Print option.
Added Windows Explorer launch option.
v1.05
September 8, 2006
Fixed main screen issue.
Added delete all files option.
Added Enter key support.
Allowed multiple instances.
Added file date localization.
Added CSV save feature.
v1.04
March 15, 2006
Added File Date to results.
Added date/time retention option.
Added delete option.
Fixed file handle release.
Enabled results tab during search.
Fixed floating point error and period folder handling.
v1.03
September 14, 2004
Added find/replace dropdown lists with history.
Added ignore extension and ignore files by name features.
Added default program customization.
Updated tray icon.
Reorganized options.
v1.02
April 9, 2004
Added resize and maximize support.
Added file count status.
Added error icon.
Added Open With customization.
Added backup validation.
Prevented off-screen window.
Changed error messages.
Added tabbed dialog options.
v1.01
December 29, 2003
Added path autocomplete.
Added file types history.
Fixed right-click menu.
Added command-line path option.
Fixed cancel button.
Added right-click menu integration.
Added copy filepath.
Added system tray option.
Fixed text matching.
Added Windows installer.
What Users Are Saying
★★★★★
"Perfect for updating config files across our entire server farm. Saved hours of manual work."
-- Mike T., IT Admin
★★★★★
"Simple and fast. I use it every day to update copyright years and URLs across project files."
-- Sarah K., Web Developer
Download Simple Search-Replace
Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98, 95 and Server
557 KB
SHA256: e60d7be1ac85...29c4
Freeware
Updated: December 22, 2011
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Support Simple Search-Replace Development
Simple Search-Replace is completely free. If this tool has saved you time, consider making a donation to help fund continued development and new features.
Support and Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Simple Search-Replace.
View FAQ
Need Help?
Found a bug or have a question? We are here to help.
Contact Us
Uninstall
To uninstall, simply delete the program folder. No registry entries or system files are left behind.
How to Update
Download the latest version and extract over your existing folder, or to a new location. Settings are preserved.
Privacy: This software does not collect, transmit, or store any personal data. No internet connection required.
End-User License Agreement (EULA)
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