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Do you have a slow computer? Our step-by-step guide will show you how to Disable Search Indexing in Windows 11 so that it runs faster. By indexing the files on your PC, you can find files, emails, and other local content faster when you search for them. By default, the search index only has your chosen locations. You can choose which file types (extensions), file properties, and file contents to index in these places. You can tell your PC to look for files in either Classic or Enhanced search indexing mode.
The index makes use of the Windows Search service and runs in the background as the Searchindexer.exe process. To improve the accuracy of search results, the index will automatically rebuild and update to take into account any changes that have been made to the locations since the last time the index was rebuilt.
By default, the search indexer back off feature will slow down indexing while rebuilding the index when a user is doing something. When no user is doing anything, the indexing will continue at full speed.
Enable or Disable Search Indexing in Windows
Enable or Disable Search Indexing from Services
There is a service called “Windows Search”, by changing it, you can configure Search Indexing. So, follow the given steps to do the same.
- Open Run by Win + R, type “services.msc”, and click Ok.
- Double-click on Windows Search to open its properties.
- Now, you can either Start or Stop the service.
Enable or Disable Search Indexing from Command Prompt
- Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Execute the following command to disable Search Indexing.
- sc stop “wsearch” && sc config “wsearch” start=disabled
- Execute the following command to enable Search Indexing
- sc config “wsearch” start=delayed-auto && sc start “wsearch”
Manage Search Indexing on Windows 11/10
- Click the Start button or hit the Windows key to launch the Start menu and click Settings. Alternately, you can use the keyboard shortcut Window key + I to launch Settings directly
- When Settings opens, click Privacy & security from the list on the left. Scroll down the list on the right and click Searching Windows under the Windows permissions section..
- Next, expand the Find my files section on the right and choose the Classic or Enhanced option.
you can visit Microsoft support center for further help.
Why indexing is not working in Windows 11
Build a new search index for Windows 11. From Settings (WIN+i), go to Privacy & Security > Searching Windows. Then, at the bottom, click on Advanced indexing options, followed by Advanced > Searching. Rebuild
How do I fix search indexing was turned off Windows 11
- Type services into Run by pressing Windows+R.
- Then, click twice on the Windows Search service.
- Choose Automatic from the list of Start-up types.
- Click the Start button under Service status if the service isn’t already running.
What is indexing status in Windows 11
With search indexing, your computer’s files, emails, photos, system files, and other files are scanned. It’s a lot like making a list of things on your computer. Most of the time, indexing will help you find local results faster.
Why is indexing not running
Windows 11 indexing is not running if your indexing modules are broken or if the registry value is missing. You can delete some system files so that the computer notices the difference and rebuilds the files, refreshes the whole module, and starts indexing again.
What is the default index location in Windows 11
If you need more space on a drive, you can move the index to a different location. C:ProgramDataMicrosoft is the default location. If you change where the index is, the Windows Search service will automatically restart, and when it does, the new location will be used.
Why is indexing paused
Local policy to save battery power has stopped indexing – Some people who have had this problem say that it is usually caused by a local group policy called “Prevent indexing when running on battery power.” If this policy is turned on, the indexing function will be turned off automatically when the battery-saving mode is on.
Should I disable indexing on SSD
If you have a slow hard drive and a good CPU, it makes more sense to keep your search indexing on. Otherwise, it’s best to turn it off. This is especially true for people with SSDs because they can read your files so quickly. Search indexing does not hurt your computer in any way, for those who are wondering.