This simple guide will help you turn on or off the Enhanced search mode on your Windows 11 PC. This mode changes how your computer looks for files and folders when you use the search feature.

What is search indexing?

Search Indexing is like a smart organizer for your PC. It looks through your files, emails, and other content and creates an index, so when you search, results show up faster.
Learn more about indexing here.

Classic Mode vs. Enhanced Mode

• Classic Mode: Searches only in your Documents, Pictures, Music folders, and Desktop.
• Enhanced Mode: Searches your entire PC, including all folders. This can use more battery and CPU, so it’s best to keep your PC plugged in when turning it on.

How to Turn On or Off Enhanced Search Mode via Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security on the left side.
3. Click Search on the right side. Or you can click this link to open directly: Open Search Settings.
4. Under Find my files, choose either Classic or Enhanced.
5. Close Settings when done.

How to Turn On or Off Enhanced Search Mode Using a Registry File

Note: Only use this if you are comfortable editing system files. You need to be an administrator.

Use Classic Mode (Default)

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows Search" /v EnableFindMyFiles /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Use Enhanced Mode

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows Search" /v EnableFindMyFiles /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To apply these, save the text in a file with the .reg extension, then double-click it and allow it to make changes to your PC.

What’s New in Windows 11 Search?

• Smarter Searches: Windows 11 now understands natural language better. You can type things like “change the theme” and it will find the right setting.
• Search Cloud Photos: If you use OneDrive cloud photos, your cloud photos can now appear in search results alongside local files.
• Works Offline: On special PCs called Copilot+ PCs, these smart search features work even without internet.

Summary

Choosing between Classic and Enhanced search modes lets you control how your PC finds files:

• Classic Mode: Faster, searches common folders only.
• Enhanced Mode: Searches everywhere on your PC, but may use more power.
• Improved Search: New Windows 11 updates make searching easier with natural language and cloud integration.
• Admin Rights Needed: Only administrators can change these settings.

These tools help you find what you need on your PC quickly and easily.

More Info

Want to learn more about search indexing? Check out the official Microsoft support page: Search Indexing in Windows – Microsoft Support