Windows Search: To Index or Not to Index

Microsoft Windows 7 and 10, includes a rather robust global search engine, both of which work on the backbone of a service called “Windows Search”. While wonderful in scope with newer processors, it could drag down the performance in older hardware by continually updating and causing disk utilization issues. One of the easiest and quickest performance adjustments can be to disable this service. Before disabling Windows Search, a few performance checks Should be made:

• Run a test search from the start menu.
• Run a search test from within outlook.

If the results are slow and take more than a minute, the indexing file could be corrupt.

A repair of the indexing file can be made using “Indexing Options”. Choose advance and use the “Rebuild” button as seen in the below screenshot.

For Hardware with CPU below and i5 and i7 type processors it may be noted that the hard disk may be working extra to keep the indexing up to date. You may notice extra delay in the Operating system doing routine tasks. If this occurs, try shutting down the indexing service by launching services and locate the service “Windows Search”. Double click and stop / disable the service.

Note that when this service is disabled Windows may take a bit longer obtaining search data but your overall Operating system experience may be better improved.

Beringer Technology Group, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, is always here to provide expert knowledge in topics like these. Please contact us today with any questions you may have.

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