Adding File Types to the Search Index

by Barry Dysert
(last updated August 21, 2017)

The power behind an Indexed Search is the index itself, but only certain file types are indexed by Windows. To see what these types are (or to modify the file-type list), you need to access the search index. Do this by pressing the Windows key, typing "index" (without the quotes), and pressing Enter. Windows displays the Indexing Options dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Indexing Options dialog box.

To get to the list of file types indexed by Windows, click the Advanced button. Windows displays the Advanced Options dialog box; you should make sure the File Types tab is displayed. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The File Types tab of the Advanced Options dialog box.

Every file type with a checkmark will be indexed, but only if the file possessing that file type is within a folder that is being indexed. Conversely, those without a checkmark are not indexed, even if they are in a folder that is included in the index.

If you want to add a new file type to the search index, type the extension (without the leading period) in the Add New Extension to List box and click the Add button. As soon as you click Add, your new file type is added to the list and will be included in the index.

 This tip (12920) applies to Windows 7 and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Using Folder Templates

Windows is highly customizable. One way you can customize it is by changing what the File Explorer looks like. This can ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Hidden Thumbs.db Files

A hidden file that the system uses to speed performance of your viewing folders containing pictures is called Thumbs.db. ...

Discover More

Cathy

Cathy is a small utility that lets you catalog network and external media for fast searching. It's handy if you have a ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Robocopy to Mirror Directories

It's simple to use Robocopy when dealing with entire directories. Dealing with directories is what it does best! This top ...

Discover More

Displaying Details about an Audio File

Audio files have additional attributes that other files don't have. This tip describes how you can display these ...

Discover More

Assigning a Picture to a Folder

Windows allows you to customize many aspects of its user interface. One thing you can modify is how a folder's icon ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two less than 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.