How to Index Encrypted Files in Windows 11 Search

Option 1Use Windows Settings

You can control whether Windows includes encrypted files in its search index using the Windows Settings ⚙️ app. This method is the easiest way for most people to turn this feature on or off. Open Settings ⚙️, go to Privacy & security, then Search, and click Advanced indexing options to find the setting for including encrypted files in search.

1. Open Settings. You can do this by pressing the Win+I on your keyboard.

   

2. On the left side, click Privacy & security. Then, on the right side, click Search.  Open Search settings

   

3. Look for Related settings and click on Advanced indexing options.

   

4. In the window that appears, click the Advanced button.

   

5. In the Index Settings tab, find the File Settings section. To include encrypted files in searches, check the box next to Index encrypted files. To stop including them, uncheck the box. This box is unchecked by default.

   

6. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

   • If you see a message saying “Policy is in effect,” it means this setting was changed using a different method. Click OK.
   • If you turned on “Index encrypted files” and your drive is not encrypted, click Continue to confirm.
   • If you turned off “Index encrypted files,” click OK to confirm.
7. Click OK to close the window.

8. The search 🔍 index will need to be updated. Click Close.

9. You can now close the Settings ⚙️ window.

Option 2Use Local Group Policy Editor

For Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education users, the Local Group Policy Editor offers another way to manage whether encrypted files are included in the search 🔍 index. You can open this tool by typing gpedit.msc into the Windows search bar. Then, navigate through Computer Configuration to find the specific setting under Windows Components › Search

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor. Type gpedit.msc into the Windows search bar 🔍 and press Enter.
2. In the left pane, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search.

   

3. In the right pane, find and double-click on the policy named Allow indexing of encrypted files.

   

4. To turn ON including encrypted files in search:

   • Select the Enabled option.
   • Click OK.

5. To turn OFF including encrypted files in search:

   • Select the Disabled option.
   • Click OK.

6. To let Windows decide:

   • Select the Not Configured option.
   • Click OK.

     

7. You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Option 3Use Registry Editor (Manual Steps)

Manually editing the Windows Registry is an advanced method to control whether Windows includes encrypted files in its search index, similar to using the Group Policy Editor. You’ll need administrator rights and should back up your registry first. Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit into the Windows search bar 🔍 to begin making changes.

This registry backup prevents data loss if you accidentally make an incorrect change to registry keys.

Admin permission needed: You will need administrator rights to perform these steps.

1. Open the Registry Editor. Type regedit in the Windows search bar and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
2. Navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor's left pane:
   HKEY_LOCAL_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search
   

   If the Windows Search key does not exist, you may need to create it. Right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it Windows Search.

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Experience/Performance-Optimization/search-indexing-in-windows

Summary

To control whether Windows includes encrypted files in its search index, you have three main options. The simplest method for most users is the Windows Settings app. More advanced users on specific Windows versions can use the Local Group Policy Editor or manually edit the Registry Editor, which can override settings made in the Settings app.