This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Enhanced mode for search indexer for all users 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.
You can choose to use Classic or Enhanced search indexing mode for where your PC will search for files.
- Classic = Search only your Documents, Pictures, and Music folders plus the desktop.
- Enhanced = Search your entire PC (may affect battery life and CPU consumption). PC must be plugged in for initial indexing.
You must be signed in as an administrator to turn on or off Enhanced mode for search indexer.
Search Indexer requires the Windows Search service to be enabled, running, and set to automatic.
Contents
- Option One: Turn On or Off Enhanced Mode for Search Indexer in Settings
- Option Two: Turn On or Off Enhanced Mode for Search Indexer using REG file
OPTION ONE
Turn On or Off Enhanced Mode for Search Indexer in Settings
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on Privacy & security on the left side, and click/tap on Searching Windows on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Under Find my files, select (dot) Classic (default) or Enhanced for what you want. (see screenshot below)
4 You can now close Settings if you like.
OPTION TWO
Turn On or Off Enhanced Mode for Search Indexer using REG file
1 Do step 2 (classic) or step 3 (enhanced) below for what you want.
2 Use Classic Mode for Search Indexer
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Set_Find_my_files_to_Classic.reg
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search]
"EnableFindMyFiles"=dword:000000003 Use Enhanced Mode for Search Indexer
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.
Set_Find_my_files_to_Enhanced.reg
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search]
"EnableFindMyFiles"=dword:000000014 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7 Either stop and start the Windows Search service OR Restart the computer to apply.
8 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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