How to Configure Windows 11 Search Indexing

Learn how to configure Windows 11 search indexing with clear steps, practical tips, and troubleshooting guidance for a reliable result.

How to configure Windows 11 search indexing

Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search . Then, in the Find my files section , select Classic and then tap Customize search locations to adjust the search location.

Alternatively, you can click Add an excluded folder to restrict the use of Enhanced mode.

How to disable indexing via Windows Services

Enabling advanced indexing consumes a significant amount of system resources. If you don't need it, you can disable it.

Step 1

Type "Services" into the search bar and select "Run as administrator" to open it with administrator privileges.

Step 2

In the interface, find the Windows Search service and double-click to adjust its settings.

Here, click on Disabled in Startup type , then select Apply. Finally, click Stop to apply. If you want to restart, click Automatic (Delayed Start).

How to disable search indexing via Command Prompt

You also need to open cmd with administrator privileges , then enter the command below to proceed with disabling it.

sc stop "wsearch" && sc config "wsearch" start=disabled

To enable this feature, use the following command:

`sc config "wsearch" start=delayed-auto && sc start "wsearch"`