Search indexing in Windows 10: FAQ

Indexing the contents of your PC helps you get faster results when you’re searching it for files and other things. Learn how it works.

What is indexing?

Indexing is the process of looking at files, email messages, and other content on your PC and cataloging their information, such as the words and metadata in them. When you search your PC after indexing, it looks at an index of terms to find results faster.

When you first run indexing, it can take up to a couple hours to complete. After that, indexing will run in the background on your PC as you use it, only re-indexing updated data.

How does indexing make my searches faster?

Much like having an index in a book, having a digital index allows your PC and apps to find content faster by looking for terms or common properties such as the date a file was created. A fully built index can return answers to searches such as «Show all songs by Coldplay» in a fraction of a second, versus the minutes it could take without an index.

What information is indexed?

By default, all the properties of your files are indexed, including file names and full file paths. For files with text, their contents are indexed to allow you to search for words within the files.

Apps you install may also add their own information to the index to speed up searching. For example, Outlook 2016 adds all emails synced to your machine to the index by default and uses the index for searching within the app.

Which apps use the index?

Many of the built-in apps on your PC use the index in some way. File Explorer, Photos, and Groove all use it to access and track changes to your files. Microsoft Edge uses it to provide browser history results in the address bar. Outlook uses it to search your email. Cortana uses it to provide faster search results from across your PC.

Many apps in the Microsoft Store also depend on the index to provide up-to-date search results for your files and other content. Disabling indexing will result in these apps either running slower or not working at all, depending on how heavily they rely on it.

Why does indexing automatically run on my PC at all times?

Your Windows 10 PC is constantly tracking changes to files and updating the index with the latest information. To do this, it opens recently changed files, looks at the changes, and stores the new information in the index.

Where is the index information stored?

All data gathered from indexing is stored locally on your PC. None of it is sent to any other computer or to Microsoft. However, apps you install on your PC may be able to read the data in the index, so be careful with what you install and make sure you trust the source.

How much space is used by the index?

A rule of thumb is that the index will be less than 10 percent of the size of the indexed files. For example, if you have 100 MB of text files, the index for those files will be less than 10 MB.

The index can take up a larger percentage if you have lots of very small files ( Modify.

What languages can be indexed?

All language packs installed with Windows include the information for indexing content in that language. If you have files or other content in a language that isn’t installed on your PC, the index will try to make it searchable, but that isn’t always possible.

To install more language packs to make sure the language is searchable on your PC, go to Settings > Time & Language > Region & language, and then select Add a language .

Which file types can be indexed?

For a list of file types that can be indexed, go to the Indexing Options control panel page and select Advanced > File Types.

Can I change how much of a file’s information is indexed?

Yes. There are two options for how much of a file to index: either properties only, or properties and content. For properties only, indexing will not look at the contents of the file or make the contents searchable. You’ll still be able to search by file name—just not file contents.

Choosing not to index the contents of files can reduce the size of the index, but it makes files harder to find in some cases.

To choose an option for each file type, go to the Indexing Options control panel page and select Advanced > File Types.

Windows 10: Settings search not working

I installed Win 10 on my system recently and everything was running fine.

Its not even been a few days and now the search function for setting is not working.

If I search in settings directly, no results are returned for any query.

If I search using Cortana or Start menu, the results do include settings related results, but as soon as I select them, the settings app opens with the same result.

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. I understand the inconvenience you are facing. I will certainly help you with this.

This could be due to some issues with the “Windows Search” service on the computer and due to which Windows is not able to start this service.

I would suggest you to try the methods below and check if it helps.

Method 1: Search and indexing troubleshooter

If you haven’t tried the “Search and Indexing” Troubleshooter, then I would suggest you to try that first and let’s know the details. You may also try its suggestions and check the status.

1. Press Windows Key +R

2. Type control and press enter to open control panel.

3. Type troubleshooting in the control panel search box and open it.

4. Click «view all» on the left pane.

5. Run the Search and indexing troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the above steps doesn’t work, try the below.

Method 2:

I suggest you to follow the below steps and check if it resolves the issue.

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del, select Task Manager.

2. From the File menu, select Run new task.

3. Put a check mark next to Create this task with administrative privileges and tap or click OK.

4. Type cmd and hit Enter.

5. Type the following commands in same order in the Command prompt window:

a. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

(This command scans and verifies the integrity of all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct versions).

b. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter.

c. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter.

d. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

(These commands fix any files that System File Checker can’t repair and Windows corruption errors).

e. Close the command window.

f. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the system.

Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are glad to assist you.

How to fix search problems in Windows 10

Source: Windows Central

Editor’s note from February 5, 2020: Some Windows 10 users appear to be experiencing an issue with task bar search, in which the box appears blank and does not display search results. We’ve investigated the issue and have found a solution linked to disabling Bing integration with searches. A recommended fix and the steps necessary are below.

On Windows 10, Windows Search is an essential feature that allows you to find virtually anything on your computer (such as documents, pictures, videos, system files, apps, emails, and settings) very quickly. Also, thanks to its integration with Bing search, you can use the feature for quick access to web pages and answers to common questions from the result preview.

Although search is a useful functionality that we take for granted every day, it’ll come the time when it’ll stop working as intended. For example, sometimes, search queries will show none or incomplete results. The search box in the taskbar will turn unresponsive or won’t open at all, and more.

Whatever the reason it may be, if you’re having problems with Windows Search on Windows 10, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the most common issues, including when your device received a buggy update that breaks the experience.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix problems with the search feature on your device.

Remove Bing from Windows 10 Search

In light of the recent Windows 10 Search issues where nothing is displayed in the bar or window, many have found a fix by disabling Bing integration. This does require working with RegEdit, so doing a backup of both your PC and its registry are recommended.

Once you’ve performed any necessary backups, run through these steps to get local Search working again. Web results will not display while Bing is disabled. Multiple people here at Windows Central have performed the same steps with success.

1. Hit the Windows Key + R shortcut on your keyboard.
2. Type regedit and hit Enter on your keyboard.
3. Double-click HKEY_CURRENT_USER.

Double-click SOFTWARE.

Source: Windows Central

Double-click Windows.

Source: Windows Central

Double-click Search.

Source: Windows Central

Click New.

Source: Windows Central

Type BingSearchEnabled and hit Enter on your keyboard.

Source: Windows Central

Type 0 in the Value data field. (It should already be 0 but make sure).

Source: Windows Central

Double-click CortanaConsent.

Source: Windows Central

Restart your PC.

Source: Windows Central

This should bring Windows 10 Search back online, at least with local results. This is a temporary fix while Microsoft addresses the core root of the problem, and it’s recommended that users undo the changes once Search is working again as intended.

To undo the process above, repeat steps 13 and 14, but type a 1 in the BingSearchEnabled data field to re-enable Bing. The same can be done for steps 16 and 17, with a 1 in the CortanaConsent data field. Restart your PC and you should be back where you started.

How to fix search using Troubleshooter

If you’re having problems searching on Windows 10 and restarting your device doesn’t resolve the problem, then you can use the Troubleshooter settings to diagnose and fix the most common issues. And you can perform this task from the Settings app or Command Prompt.

Repairing search with Settings

To fix the search functionality with the Settings app, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot.
4. Under the «Find and fix other problems» section, select the search and Indexing option.

Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Source: Windows Central

Check the problems that best describe your situation — for example, Files don’t appear in search results option.

Source: Windows Central

Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, the search feature should start working again on your computer.

Repairing search with Command Prompt

Alternatively, you can also start the Troubleshooter using Command Prompt:

Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

Type the following command and click the OK button:

Type the following command to launch the troubleshooter and press Enter:

msdt -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic

Source: Windows Central

Check the Apply repairs automatically option.

Source: Windows Central

Check the problems that best describe your situation.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Next button.

Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, the Search and Indexing troubleshooter will scan and fix the most common problems with the feature.

How to fix search using restart option

You can also restart the Windows 10 process that controls the search elements using these steps:

Right-click the taskbar and select the Task Manager option.

Quick tip: Alternatively, you can open Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut or using the Ctrl + Alt + Del shortcut and selecting the Task Manager item.

Right-click the SearchUI.exe process and select the End task button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the End process button.

Once you complete the steps, the process should restart automatically. If it doesn’t restart immediately, reboot your computer, and then confirm if the search has been fixed.

How to fix search using reset option

If Windows Search still not working on Windows 10, then you may be able to fix the problem by resetting the feature. However, the reset process will depend upon the version of the OS currently installed on your computer.

Checking Windows 10 version

To determine the version of Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on About.

Under the «Windows Specifications» section, confirm the version of Windows 10.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you’ll know the version of Windows 10 running on the computer.

Reset search on Windows 10 version 1903

If your device is running Windows 10 version 1903, May 2019 Update, then to reset the search feature, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Download center website.
2. Click the Download button under the Reset Windows search PowerShell script section.
3. Save the .ps1 file to your computer — for example, in the «Downloads» folder.

Right-click the Start button, and select the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.

Quick tip: Alternatively, you can also open PowerShell using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut, typing the PowerShell command, and using the Ctrl + Shift + Enter shortcut to trigger the command as administrator.

Type the following command to determine current script execution setting and press Enter:

Type the following command to allow scripts to run on your device and press Enter:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Type the following command to run the script and press Enter:

In the command, make sure to replace «YOUR-ACCOUNT-FOLDER,» for your account folder name.

Type the following command to set the original execution policy the script and press Enter:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Restricted

Source: Windows Central

In this example, the Restricted option was added, because it was the original setting. If you had a different policy, make sure to change it before running the command.

Type Y and press Enter.

Once you complete the steps, search should start working as before.

Reset search on Windows 10 version 1809

If your device is running Windows 10 version 18069, October 2018 Update, or an earlier release, then to reset the search feature, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Right-click Cortana from the «All apps» list.
3. Select the More option.

Click the App settings option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Reset button.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, the reset process should fix the problem, and the search box in the taskbar should work as expected.

How to fix search using Index Settings

The indexing feature can also cause problems that can prevent returning search results on your device.

If you have tried all the previous instructions, you can try rebuilding the index database to fix search problems on Windows 10.

To rebuild the search index on your device, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search.

Click on Searching Windows.

Quick tip: If you’re using Windows 10 version 1809 or earlier, open Control Panel, click the View by menu in the top-right corner, and select the Large icons view, and click the Indexing Options to continue.

Click the Advanced search Indexer Settings option.

Source: Windows Central

Quick tip: In the case that search does not return results for contents from a particular folder, it’s also a good idea to check the «Excluded Folders» section as search will ignore the contents of any folder in this list. If the folder you want to search is part of the excluded list, select it, and click the Remove button.

Click the Advanced button.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Troubleshooting» section, click the Rebuild button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will clear and rebuild the index database. However, while the database is rebuilding, searches from the taskbar, File Explorer, and across the OS might be incomplete until all the files are indexed again.

Restarting Windows Search

In the rare case that you see searches without results, and you can’t access the Indexing settings, then the Windows Search service may be disabled on your computer.

To enable the indexing and search service, use these steps:

Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

Type the following command and click the OK button:

Double-click the Windows Search service.

Source: Windows Central

Use the «Startup type» menu and select the Automatic (Delayed Start) option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Start button.

Click the Apply button.

Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, Windows Search will enable on your computer, and you should be able to start searching for files and apps for taskbar and File Explorer again.

How to fix search using Windows Update

On Windows 10, quality updates can include fixes for the search functionality, but they can also be the reason for the feature to break.

Fixing search installing update

If you haven’t updated Windows 10 for a while, perhaps the latest update may include a fix for Windows Search.

To update Windows 10 to the latest release, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.

Click the Check for updates button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the latest maintenance update should resolve any search problems on your computer.

Fixing search removing update

Although Microsoft strives to release updates to improve the overall experience of Windows 10, sometimes a buggy update may do its way onto devices breaking features, such as search.

If you suspect that a recent update is the reason that Windows Search search is broken, then use these steps to remove it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.

Click the View update history option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Uninstall updates option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Uninstall button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Yes button.

Restart the device.

Once you complete the steps, the problematic update will be removed from Windows 10, fixing any search problems, and the same update shouldn’t download and install automatically until the company releases a follow-up release.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

The Dell XPS 15 is our choice for best 15-inch laptop

For a lot of people, a 15-inch laptop is a perfect size that offers enough screen for multitasking, and in a lot of cases, some extra performance from powerful hardware. We’ve rounded up the best of the best at this size.

Halo: MCC’s live service elements make it better, not worse

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is more popular than ever, but some fans don’t agree with the live service approach 343 Industries has taken with it. Here’s why those elements are, at the end of the day, great for the game and for Halo overall.

Microsoft’s Surface Duo is not ‘failing up’

Microsoft announced this week that it was expanding Surface Duo availability to nine new commercial markets. While Surface Duo is undoubtedly a work in progress, this is not a sign of a disaster. It’s also doesn’t mean that Surface Duo is selling a ton either. Instead, the reason for the expansion is a lot more straightforward.

These are the best PC sticks when you’re on the move

Instant computer — just add a screen. That’s the general idea behind the ultra-portable PC, but it can be hard to know which one you want. Relax, we have you covered!