Search Your Windows PC Better By Using 'Index' Option
Windows uses the index to perform very fast searches of the most common files on your computer. Here are answers to some common questions about the index.
What files are indexed?
By default, all of the most common files on your computer are indexed. Indexed locations include all folders included in libraries (anything you see in the Documents library, for example), e‑mail, and offline files. Files that aren’t indexed include program files and system files—files that most people rarely need to search.
How do I add or remove index locations?
The easiest way to add something to the index is to include a folder in a library. When you do that, the content in that folder is automatically indexed.
You can also add something to the index without using libraries. To add or remove an index location:
- Open Indexing Options.
- Modify.
- To add or remove a location, select or clear its check box in the Change selected locations list, and then click OK.
If you don’t see all locations on your computer in the list, click Show all locations. (If all locations are listed, Show all locations won’t be available.) If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
If you want to include a folder but not all of its subfolders, click the folder, and then clear the check box next to any subfolder that you don’t want to index. These folders will appear in the Exclude column of the Summary of selected locations list.
How do I troubleshoot problems with search and indexing?
If you are experiencing problems with searching, such as unusually slow searches or incomplete search results, run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter to see if it can diagnose the problem.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the Search and Indexing troubleshooter might need to restart the Windows Search service.
Balaji is a man who started this blog with passion in blogging to share his ideas and experiments of search engine optimization and windows troubleshooting.