How to Enable or Disable Automatically Find Additional Relevant Search Index Locations in Windows 11
Automatically finding additional relevant search index locations in Windows 11 lets your PC discover important files you use, even if they aren’t in your usual folders.
Windows' automatically find additional relevant search index locations feature works by observing which files and folders you access most often. This Windows 11 feature then adds these file and folder locations to Windows' search index. This addition makes it faster for you to find documents, pictures, and other items using content search.
Starting with recent updates to Windows 11, this automatic discovery can help you locate needed information more easily without manually adding every folder. You can choose to turn this helpful search function on or off.
To enable or disable automatic search indexing, go to Settings Privacy & security Search. Toggle the “Automatically find additional relevant locations for what you want” option on or off. This feature expands Windows search to include more file locations based on your usage.
Turning On Automatic Search Indexing
Want Windows to offer more assistance with your searches? Here’s how to enable the feature that automatically finds important file locations.
Step 1Open Windows Settings
Alternatively, click the Start button (typically a Windows logo in the bottom-left corner) and then select the Settings gear icon. It might be on the Start menu , or you may need to click “All apps” to find it.
Step 2Go to Privacy & Security
The Privacy & security section in Windows Settings contains options for your personal data, app permissions, and security features. You will see this list of categories on the left side of the Settings window.
Step 3Find the Search Settings
The Search settings in Windows 11 control how your computer handles searches. After you click Privacy & security in the Settings window, scroll down the list of options on the right side to find and click Search. This action opens the specific settings for Windows search functionality.
Step 4Activate Automatic Indexing
Activating automatic indexing helps Windows 11 find more useful locations for your searches. Look for the setting called 'Automatically find additional relevant locations for what you want' in the Search settings and turn it on by clicking the toggle switch.
This setting is usually turned On by default in newer versions of Windows 11. If it's already on, your PC is already working to expand its search index based on your activity. If you want to turn it on and it's off, click the switch so it shows On.
Step 5Close Settings
That's it! After you set the switch to your preference (On or Off), you can close the Settings window. Your changes are applied right away.
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Summary
Windows 11 can automatically index more file locations based on how you use your PC, making searches faster and easier. To control this feature, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search and toggle the Automatically find additional relevant locations for what you want option on or off.
How do I enable index search in 🪟 Windows 11?
Right-click on the Start button and open the Settings app. Navigate to Privacy & security > Searching Windows if you're running Windows 11 or Search > Searching Windows if you're using Windows 10. Scroll down and click on Advanced indexing options (Windows 11) or Advanced Search Indexer Settings (Windows 10)
How do I permanently disable Windows Search indexer?
Mmsc. In the search bar at the top of this menu. Click services in the list of results the Windows services window opens showing you a list of all of the services. Available to run on your computer.
Should you enable search indexing?
Search Indexing in Windows improves the speed and efficiency of searches by creating an index of files and their properties on your device. This index allows Windows to quickly locate and retrieve the information you need.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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