Search Indexing Was Turned Off on Windows 11: How to Fix It

Many users who have recently upgraded to Windows 11 have complained that the search indexing feature has stopped working. If you are among this group of people, fear not, for there is a solution to this problem.

The search indexing feature can be handy when searching for files on your device, making the process faster and more efficient. If this feature stops working suddenly, it could be problematic for users already accustomed to the tool.

Therefore, this article will review the effective troubleshooting techniques to resolve this issue and provide more information on what this feature can do and why it is essential for your device.

How do I fix search indexing was turned off Windows 11?

1. Run the search and indexing troubleshooter

1. Hold your Windows key to launch the start menu and choose Settings.
   
2. Secondly, select the Troubleshoot option on your System tab.
   
3. Next, choose Other trouble-shooters.
   
4. Click the Run button on the right-hand side of the Search and Indexing option.
   
5. Check the box next to the My problem isn’t listed above option and hit the Next button.
   
6. Lastly, describe the problem you are facing in the text box and click Next to proceed.

2. Verify that the Search service is enabled

1. Launch the Run dialogue by holding the Windows + R keys simultaneously, then type services.msc in the text area and click OK.
   
2. Next, double-click on the Windows Search service.
3. In the Startup type drop-down menu, choose Automatic.
   
4. If the service is not running, hit the Start button under the Service status.
   
5. Click the OK button to save your changes and exit the window.
6. Lastly, check to see if search indexing is working again.

3. Clear the TxR folder

1. Open your File Explorer by holding the Windows + E keys simultaneously, click the three dots at the top right corner of your screen, and choose Options.
   
2. Click the View tab, select the radio button next to the Show hidden files, folders and drives, and hit OK.
   
3. Navigate or paste the following path to your address bar and click Enter.
   C:\windows\system32\config\TxR
4. Next, locate and select all the files with BLF and REGTRANS-MS extensions and hit the delete icon.
   
5. Finally, check to see if this process has fixed the problem.

4. Rebuild the search index

1. Hold the Windows + S keys simultaneously to launch the search menu, type control panel in the text field and choose the required result.
   
2. In the View by dropdown menu, choose Large icons.
   
3. Now, choose Indexing Options to see more options, then click on the Advanced button.
   
4. Next, click the Rebuild option in the Advanced Options window.
   
5. Finally, click the OK button to confirm the changes you have made.

5. Use the restore point to take your PC to a previous state

1. Launch the Run dialogue by holding the Windows + R keys simultaneously, then type rstrui.exe in the text area and click OK.
   
2. Click the radio button next to the Choose different restore point option and select Next.
   
3. Now, choose a restore point that goes back way before you started experiencing the search indexing was turned off error, then hit the Next button.
   
4. Finally, hit the Finish button to initiate the changes you have made.

6. Reset your Windows 11 operating system

1. Launch your settings by simultaneously holding the Windows + I keys and select Recovery in the System tab.
   
2. Click the Reset PC button on the right side of the Reset this PC option.
   
3. Choose the Keep my files option.
   
4. Next, choose either the Cloud download or Local reinstall option based on your preference.
   
5. After this process, your Windows will reset itself and the search indexing was turned off windows 11 error will be resolved.

Remember that this process should be your last resort after trying out all other troubleshooting techniques without success.

What is search indexing Windows 11?

Search Indexing is a feature that allows you to search for folders on your system faster. This means that all file properties, including contents, paths, titles, etc., are correctly indexed so that you can quickly and effectively search for a file.

Some of the advantages of using the search indexing feature in Windows 11 include:

• Get faster results – Using the search indexing feature helps you get results at a fast rate when looking for files.
• Time-saving – Using this tool keeps you from going through multiple files or folders on your system, saving you time and energy.
• Reduces stress – Using this tool also reduces stress when searching for information.
• Automatic rebuild and update – The search indexing feature can rebuild and update itself automatically, ensuring that any change you make will be initiated immediately.

Does turning off indexing speed up Windows 11?

The fantastic features of the search indexing tool are great, but they are not the best for slower PCs because indexing can slow them down. Turning off indexing can speed up a machine that is operating slowly.

The constant writing to the disk that indexing causes can eventually cause SSDs to slow down, so turning off indexing can improve performance even if you have an SSD disk.

But if your device is super fast, then the search indexing tool will have zero effect on the speed of your computer.

In conclusion, try out many of the troubleshooting techniques mentioned in this article to resolve the search indexing that was turned off in Windows 11 error.

The solutions in this article have not been arranged in any particular order, so try as many solutions as possible until you find a solution that works best for you.