> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nexthink.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nexthink.com/user-guide/investigations/creating-an-investigation-with-finder-classic/executing-an-investigation-with-finder-classic.md).

# Executing an investigation with Finder (classic)

{% hint style="info" %}
Nexthink Finder is a Windows-only desktop application whose functionality is now available within the Nexthink web interface. Nexthink can now be used directly from a browser and most functions no longer require an additional desktop application.
{% endhint %}

The basic unit to query the Nexthink database is the investigation. To execute an investigation in Finder:

1. Find the investigation that you want to execute by either:
   * Browsing the **Investigations** section on the left-hand side panel of the main window.
   * Searching a term in the search box and looking under the **Investigations** or the **Suggested investigations** sections in the results of the search.
2. Double-click the name of the investigation.
3. The results of the investigation are displayed as a table on a new tab in Finder.

## Running a metric as an investigation <a href="#executinganinvestigationwithfinder-classic-runningametricasaninvestigation" id="executinganinvestigationwithfinder-classic-runningametricasaninvestigation"></a>

Besides investigations, metrics also express queries in their definitions. For testing the definition of a metric, it is useful to execute it as an investigation and check out the results. To run the query defined in a metric as a [quick investigation](/user-guide/investigations/creating-an-investigation-with-finder-classic.md):

1. Find the metric that you want to execute as an investigation by either:
   * Browsing the **Metrics** section on the left-hand side panel (the accordion) of the main window.
   * Searching a term in the search box and looking under the **Metrics** section on the right side of the search results.
2. Right-click the name of the metric.
3. Select **Run as investigation** from the context menu.

The generated quick investigation shares the conditions specified for the metric, ignoring the settings for the computation of a ratio and the thresholds, when defined. The time frame of the investigation generated for a metric is the current day.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.nexthink.com/user-guide/investigations/creating-an-investigation-with-finder-classic/executing-an-investigation-with-finder-classic.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.