> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.ocsinventory-ng.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.ocsinventory-ng.org/user-docs/console-tools/multi-criteria-search.md).

# Multi-criteria search

Multi-criteria search lets you build **structured queries** across OCS data. Use it when the global search bar is not enough or when you need **AND / OR logic**.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you run the same query often, save it. See [Saved searches](/user-docs/console-tools/saved-searches.md).
{% endhint %}

## Basic search

<figure><img src="https://461838061-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtjrEC8kt8LJiJYFBs5CS%2Fuploads%2FfQMt5obALIIQTVBNdWXA%2Fimage_2026-05-11_105539625.png?alt=media&amp;token=b82a3b83-7fad-4615-be08-28ad5e5aa575" alt="Example of a basic multi-criteria search"><figcaption><p>Example of a basic multi-criteria search</p></figcaption></figure>

Goal: find assets where **OS Name** contains `windows` and **OS Version** starts with `10`.

### Create the first criterion

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to **Inventory → Tools → Multi-criteria search**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Define the first criterion.

* Using the first drop-down, select **Assets**.
* For the second drop-down, choose **OS Name**.
* In the third drop-down, select **contains**.
* In the value field, enter `windows`.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Search**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Check the results.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Add a second criterion

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Add a criterion line.

Click the **+** button at the end of the first criteria line.

A new line appears. You also get a logical operator (**AND** / **OR**).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Define the second criterion.

* Set the logical operator to **AND**.
* Use the drop-downs to construct your second criterion:
  * For the first drop-down, select **Assets**.
  * For the second drop-down, choose **OS Version**.
  * For the third drop-down, select **starts with**.
  * In the value field, enter `10`.
    {% endstep %}

{% step %}
Run the search.

Click **Search**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Review the results.

Matching assets appear in the results table.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Advanced search: groups

Groups let you control precedence. They work like parentheses in SQL.

Each group contains its own criteria lines. Groups are combined with **AND** or **OR**.

<figure><img src="https://461838061-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtjrEC8kt8LJiJYFBs5CS%2Fuploads%2FAZPU0GiXVeiz4nPSyTRm%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4c6516f7-4378-4ba2-8bea-68a3c432f78d" alt="Advanced search example"><figcaption><p>Advanced search example</p></figcaption></figure>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Build the first group.

Start from a working basic search. Keep at least one criteria line in the default group.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Add a search group**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose how groups are combined.

On the first line of the new group, pick **AND** or **OR**. This operator links the whole group to the previous one.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Define criteria inside the new group.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Search**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Grouping results

The **Group results** checkbox under the search button is checked by default. It keeps your results grouped.

* If you keep **Group results** enabled, only one result per asset appears, even if multiple entries for a device match the query. For more detail, click **View more results** in the Actions column.
* If you disable **Group results**, each matching entry appears.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Be aware that ungrouping results might affect search performance.
{% endhint %}

## Example queries

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Software update campaign" %}

* Assets → **OS Name** contains `Windows`
* AND Software → **Name** contains `Software X`
* AND Software → **Major** is greater than or equal to `2`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Windows conformity" %}

* Assets → **OS Name** contains `Windows`
* AND Assets → **OS Version** starts with `11`
* AND Template → **Build** is greater than or equal to `XXX`
* AND Software → **Name** is `.NET`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Linux server conformity" %}

* Group 1
  * Assets → **OS Name** contains `RHEL`
  * AND Assets → **OS Version** starts with `9`
* OR Group 2
  * Assets → **OS Name** contains `Debian`
  * AND Assets → **OS Version** starts with `13`
* AND Software → **Name** contains `package-x`
* AND Software → **Major** is greater than or equal to `X`
* AND Administrative data → **Environment** contains `Production`
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}


---

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