How to Manage Search Indexing – Windows 11

While Windows 11 introduces a few new methods to search, the backend remains mostly same from Windows 10. Search indexing searches your computer’s files, email messages, photographs, and system and other information.

It’s similar to developing a personal database of objects on your own computer. Indexing often leads in speedier local search results.

This post will show you different methods for customizing and managing Search Indexing on Windows 11.

Manage Search Indexing on Windows 11

Click the Start button and select Settings.

Go to Privacy & security and navigate to Searching Windows.

Select Find my files and choose Classic or Enhanced options.

NOTE: The Classic option indexes just your Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop folders.

The Enhanced option indexes everything on your computer and consumes more battery power.

Additionally, the PC must be attached onto the network throughout the first Enhanced indexing procedure.

Disable Search Indexing

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to launch the Run dialog.

Type services.msc and click OK.

When the Services window comes up, look for Windows Search and double click on it.

Set the Startup type to Disabled.

Click the Stop button under the Service status section

Click on Apply then OK.