Your searches might be slow because the index is not running

The message “Your searches might be slow because the index is not running” appears when Windows Search fails to index your files. This message indicates Windows cannot properly index your files. You can solve this problem by following basic instructions. This guide explains step-by-step instructions to eliminate the message while enabling Windows Search Indexing functionality.

What Is “Your Searches Might Be Slow Because the Index Is Not Running” in Windows 11?

Your searches may run slowly because the index service remains inactive. Windows 11 displays this message when either the Windows Search Indexing service becomes disabled or fails to operate correctly. The service generates an index of files, emails, and other content to accelerate searches in File Explorer, Start Menu, and search-enabled applications.

Windows searches become slower when indexing is disabled or fails to operate properly since the system must perform manual file scans instead of accessing pre-indexed information. Systems with extensive storage capacity or numerous files experience significant delays when the indexing service is disabled or malfunctioning.

Why Is the Search Index Not Running?

The following are several typical causes that make Windows 11 search indexing malfunction:-

• The Windows Search Service remains disabled because either a system error or manual action shuts it down.
• A corrupted search index will create barriers that stop Windows from performing efficient searches.
• The registry contains incorrect or absent entries, which result in indexing failure.
• Third-party software, together with Windows updates, occasionally disrupts the indexing process when operating in the background.

Fix Your searches might be slow because the index is not running

Fix 1: Using Folder Options

The easiest solution to resolve this problem exists within Folder Options in Windows Explorer. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Open Folder Options

1. Go to File Explorer Options. Either way is to open it from Taskbar or search console as shown in the image.

Step 2: Disable the Indexing Warning

2. Navigate to the “Search” tab inside the Folder Options window. The “Don’t use the index when searching in file folders for system files (searches might take longer)” option appears in this location.

3. Uncheck the box or delete all settings associated with this message. Click “Apply” followed by “OK” to implement the changes.

Step 3: Restart Windows Explorer

4. To access Task Manager, users should press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Or you can open it from search console.

5. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” from the scroll-down list and select “Restart”.

The warning message will disappear after this procedure, enabling you to search through Windows without interruptions.

Fix 2: Using a REG File

You can solve the indexing warning issue by using a Registry (.REG) file if the Folder Option does not resolve the problem. The Windows Registry receives modifications through this method to eliminate the indexing warning.

Step 1: Create a REG File

1. Open Notepad from the search console.

2. Place the following lines of code into Notepad:-

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00  

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]  
"DisableSearchBoxSuggestions"=dword:00000001

3. Click File > Save As. Save the file with the name DisableSearchIndexWarning.reg while choosing All Files as the file extension.

Save the file to your desktop for easy access.

Step 2: Apply the Registry File

4. Double-click on “DisableSearchIndexWarning.reg” file. A warning will appear. Press “Yes” to proceed with the addition of the registry entry.

5. After making the changes, you need to restart your computer. Your computer restart will eliminate the indexing error message from appearing in File Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#1 What happens if I disable Windows Search Indexing?

File search operations become slower when you disable indexing. This is particularly true when the system contains large drives.

#2 Why is my Windows search still slow after enabling indexing?

The problem may stem from index corruption, insufficient system resources, or excessive file numbers. Restarting or rebuilding the index can improve the PC’s performance.

#3 Does Windows Search Indexing affect performance?

The indexing process operates in background mode while potentially using system resources. The search acceleration provided by indexing affects computer speed negatively for older or low-performance systems.

That’s it!