Privacy and Security Remove All Automatically Added Search Index Locations in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to remove all automatically added search index folder locations in Windows 11.

Indexing the content of your PC helps you get faster results when your searching it for files, emails, or other local content.

The search index only includes your selected locations by default. These locations can be filtered for what file types (extensions), file properties, and file contents you want indexed.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26300.9032 (Experimental 26H2), build 26100.9267 (RP 24H2), and build 26200.9267 (RP 25H2) for Insiders, Windows Search can now Automatically find additional relevant locations to expand its indexing scope based on your activity, using signals like recent files and frequently accessed locations. This helps ensure that relevant files across your device are discoverable without requiring manual indexing configuration.

Windows leans which folders matter to you based on your file activity and makes then searchable by properties and content automatically.

You can clear all folders Windows added automatically to the search index based on your file activity.

Search index locations added manually are not affected.

You must be signed in as an administrator to remove Automatically find additional relevant locations added to the search index.

Here's How:

1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Privacy & security on the left side, and click/tap on Search on the right side. (see screenshot below)



3 Under Find my files, click/tap on Automatically find additional relevant locations to expand it open. (see screenshot below)


4 Turn off Automatically find additional relevant locations if not already. (see screenshot below step 5)

5 Click/tap on the Remove button to Remove all automatically added search folders. (see screenshot below)


6 You will now see a checked Removed to indicate they have successfully all been removed. (see screenshot below)


7 You can now turn back on Automatically find additional relevant locations if wanted.


That's it,
Shawn Brink