Adding File Types to the Search Index

Written 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

Disabling Automatic Reboot after a Windows Update

It may not always be a good thing to have Windows automatically restart your computer after an update. This tip tells you ...

Discover More

Creating a Desktop Shortcut for a Favorite Web Page

If you visit a certain Web page frequently, you may wish to create a desktop shortcut to take you there. This tip tells ...

Discover More

Using Robocopy to Copy Entire Directories

It's simple to use Robocopy to copy entire directories. Dealing with directories is what it does best! This tip shows you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Renaming Multiple Files

Got a bunch of files you need renamed? Windows can help you out, but only in a limited manner. This tip shows you how.

Discover More

Encrypting a File Folder

Want to make the data stored on your system more secure? Think about enabling the built-in encryption capabilities of ...

Discover More

Checking the Size of Apps

Need to know how much disk space is consumed by the small applications (apps) installed on your system? Windows makes it ...

Discover More
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}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) 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 eight more than 0?

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

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.