Windows 11 will index your search results to allow for faster retrieval of search results. You can also change the files and folders that are being indexed and exclude folders to choose where your PC searches for files. Use the instructions below to set your Windows 11 search indexing preferences.
Respect power settings when indexing
You can change the power setting for your search indexing to have your computer index files only when it is connected to a power source. If you turn this setting to Off your computer may index while on battery causing it to drain faster.
- Click on Start ⊞ and select Settings.
- Click on Privacy and Security and select Searching Windows.
- Click on the toggle for Respect power settings when indexing to turn it On or Off.
Choose where your PC will search for files
You can customize your search locations or activate Windows Enhanced Search to search your entire PC for files.
- Click on Start ⊞ and select Settings.
- Click on Privacy and Security and select Searching Windows.
- Click on Find my files.
- Check the box next to Classic or Enhanced search according to your preference.
- Classic will simply search documents, pictures, music, and desktop. You can click Customize search locations to add or remove specific locations from your search.
- Enhanced will utilize Indexing, which is a powerful search function that indexes all the files on your computer.
Exclude folder from enhanced search
You will see a list of folders excluded from your search in the Exclude folders from advanced search section. Some folders that contain app and program data are excluded by default. You can add other folders to be excluded from search by clicking the Add an excluded folder button and navigating to the folder you want to exclude.
