How to Add or Remove Index Locations in Windows 11
Adding or removing index locations in Windows 11 changes where your PC looks for files and apps when you type in the search bar. The Windows search index is a built-in catalog that helps you find items on your computer in seconds rather than waiting for a slow drive scan.
By default, Windows 11 only tracks files in your user profile folders and desktop. You can add new folders or remove old ones in the Indexing Options menu to make search cover the exact drives and folders you want.
To add or remove index locations in Windows 11, open Settings , navigate to Privacy & security, click Searching Windows, then Advanced indexing options. Click Modify to add or remove checked folders.
What happens when done?
When you add a folder to your Windows 11 index, the system quietly scans its contents in the background, making sure not to slow down your computer.
How to add folder locations
Adding new Windows 11 index locations lets you search through custom folders so you can find your documents and pictures much faster. You can include any folder on your computer by opening your Settings app , going to Privacy & security, and choosing Searching Windows to pick the specific folders you want Windows to track.
- Open your Settings app by pressing the Win+I or by clicking Start and then Settings.
windows 11 start settings - Click on Privacy & security on the left side.
- Select the Searching Windows tile on the right.
windows 11 searching windows - Scroll down and click on Advanced indexing options.
windows 11 searching advanced indexing options - In the new window that appears, click the Modify button.
windows 11 indexing options modify - Check the boxes next to the folders you want Windows to search. Click OK when you are finished.
windows 11 indexed locations changes
Understanding Indexing Modes
When configuring locations, you can choose how deep the index goes. Use this table to decide your settings:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Properties Only | Indexes file names, dates, and sizes. Faster and uses less space. |
| Properties and File Contents | Indexes text inside documents. Slower and uses more disk space. |
How to Rebuild the Search Index
- Open Advanced indexing options as shown above.
- Click the Advanced button.
- Under the Troubleshooting section, click Rebuild. %📂%PRE0%%
- Click OK to confirm. This may take time depending on your file count.
Summary
Customizing your Windows 11 index locations helps you find files faster by adding important folders or removing ones you don’t need.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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