Rebuilding the Search Index

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 1, 2021)

You may occasionally find yourself wanting to rebuild the search index (e.g., if it's very large and you remove a big chunk of indexes, or if it gets corrupt). To rebuild the search index, follow these steps:

  1. In the Search box, type "index" (without the quotes) and press Enter. Windows displays the Indexing Options dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

    2. Figure 1. The Indexing Options dialog box.

  2. Click the Advanced button. Windows displays the Advanced Options dialog box.
  3. Make sure the Index Settings tab is displayed. (See Figure 2.)

    4. Figure 2. The Index Settings tab of the Advanced Options dialog box.

  4. Click the Rebuild button. Windows asks you if you are sure you want to perform the action.
  5. Click OK to start the rebuild.
  6. Close any open dialog boxes.

The work involved in rebuilding a search index is done behind the scenes and could take a while to complete. While Windows is rebuilding, you can work with other programs just fine, but you won't be able to do a search and get any meaningful results.

 This tip (12936) applies to Windows 7, 8, 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

Starting Applications Automatically when Starting Windows

Understanding the Task Scheduler is a great asset when you want your computer to do things automatically. This tip shows ...

Discover More

Creating an XPS Document

Creating an XPS document is as easy as printing a document. This tip explains how.

Discover More

PowerShell Input and Output

When dealing with a scripting language like PowerShell, one of the first things you need to learn is how to get data into ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Showing File Extensions

All file types have an extension, and Microsoft hides them by default. Learn how to turn file extensions on.

Discover More

Adding File Types to the Search Index

You can fine-tune Indexed Searches by adding file types to the search index. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

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
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 nine more than 8?

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.