Rebuilding the Search Index

by Barry Dysert
(last updated April 24, 2017)

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. Press the Windows key. Windows displays the Start menu with the insertion point blinking in the Search box.
  2. Type "index" (without the quotes) and press Enter. Windows displays the Indexing Options dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

    3. Figure 1. The Indexing Options dialog box.

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

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

  5. Click the Rebuild button. Windows asks you if you are sure you want to perform the action.
  6. Click OK to start the rebuild.
  7. 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 30 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer.  He is currently a senior software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. ...

MORE FROM BARRY

How to Run a Program when Windows Starts

It's easy to have a program run when Windows starts. In fact, by using the Task Scheduler, you can have all sorts of things ...

Discover More

Exporting a Portion of the Registry

Windows wouldn't function if it weren't for the Registry, and many system tweaks involve editing it. Before making such ...

Discover More

Using Windows DVD Maker

You can use the built-in DVD Maker to create slide shows and views of your own photographs and videos. This tip tells you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating and Using Compressed Folders

If you're low on disk space but still want to keep your files online, you might consider moving them to compressed folders. ...

Discover More

Configuring Windows to Do Backups on a Schedule

Performing regular backups of your system offers you peace of mind because you don't have to worry about data loss in the ...

Discover More

Saving a Windows Search

Windows has a built-in search utility that allows you to search for strings inside of files. You can even save your searches ...

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. 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 minus 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 © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.