How to Disable Indexing in Windows 10

Indexing in Windows 10 can help speed up file searches, but for some users, it can put unnecessary strain on system resources and slow down performance. This guide explains how to turn off indexing in Windows 10 to reduce resource usage and improve overall system speed.

Why Disable Indexing?

Indexing is a process where the operating system scans files and creates a database for faster searches. However, for users with slower hard drives or limited resources, this can reduce system speed. Disabling indexing can ease disk and system load, especially on computers with HDDs.

How to Turn Off Indexing in Windows 10

Follow these steps to disable indexing:

Step 1: Open the Services Window

Press Win + R to open the “Run” dialog. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Windows Services window, where you can view all active system processes and services.

Step 2: Locate the Windows Search Service

In the list of services, locate Windows Search. This service is responsible for indexing and file searches.

Step 3: Disable the Windows Search Service

Right-click on Windows Search and select Properties. In the new window, set the Startup type to Disabled and click Stop to end the current process. Click OK to confirm your changes.

Step 4: Remove Indexed Files (Optional)

If you want to remove all indexed data, open the Control Panel and go to Indexing Options. In this window, click Modify and uncheck all boxes to remove indexing from disks and folders. Click OK to save your settings.

How to Re-enable Indexing

If you find that searches have become too slow, you can easily restore the original settings. Repeat steps 1-3, setting the Startup type to Automatic, and click Start.