What Is Windows Search Indexer (SearchIndexer.exe) and Why Is It Running?

Here’s what the Microsoft Windows Search Indexer is doing and how to deal with it.

What Is Search Indexer (SearchIndexer.exe)?

The executable is SearchIndexer.exe, and is found in “C:\Windows\System32.”

Searching Windows settings in the Windows settings panel

Jason Fitzpatrick / How-To Geek

No, Windows Search Indexer is a completely normal part of Windows.

If you have doubts, run a scan usingMicrosoft Defender,Malwarebytes, or anyother antivirus softwareyou prefer.

bring up the top result and scroll through the list of services.

Once you find “Windows Search,” right-click it and poke the “Stop” button.

Right-click Search Indexer, then click "Go to Details."

punch in “Indexing Options” into the Start Menu search, then tap the top result.

Right-click "SearchIndexer.exe" and select "Go to Service(s)."

You may also open Indexing Options through the controls app or Control Panel.

Click “Modify” to snag the folders you want indexed.

You really shouldn’t disable or remove Windows Search Indexer.

WSearch is the Windows Search Indexer service.

At most, you’ll want to trim down where it indexes, and how it indexes your files.

The Windows Search Indexer executable properties.

Right-click Windows Search in the Services window, then select "Properties."

Change the startup type to "Disabled," then click "Apply."

The locations indexed by default.

Add and remove indexed locations.

You may exclude specific file types from being indexed, and set Windows to only index file properties, rather than their contents.