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Search Indexing Was Turned Off on Windows 11: How to Fix it
Enabling this feature makes searching a lot faster
5 min. read
Updated onNovember 15, 2023
updated onNovember 15, 2023
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Key notes
Search indexing was turned offmessage in Windows 11 can appear from time to time, and many users are wondering if this message negatively impacts their PC.
In today’s guide, we will take a closer look at the causes of this and show you the best ways you can use to fix this problem.
What is Search indexing was turned off message?
What does indexing search do?
This feature indexes file properties, titles, contents, and paths, allowing you to find them via Windows Search. It’s worth mentioning that some built-in apps also rely on this feature to find files quickly.
What can I do if Search indexing is turned off message appears?
1. Make sure the Windows Search service is enabled
When encountering theSearch indexing was turned offmessage in Windows 11, you should first verify whether theWindows Searchservice is enabled. If it’s not, make sure to do that.
2. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
You may also select the other options here in the troubleshooter and proceed with the on-screen instructions to turn on Search Indexing.
3. Rebuild the search index
Once done, restart the computer and verify if theSearch indexing was turned offmessage disappears in Windows 11. If not, head to the next solution.
4. Clear the TxR folder
5. Restore Windows 11 to a previous date
System Restore is a handy built-in utility that aids in cases like these. It has helped a lot of users fix theSearch indexing was turned offerror in Windows 11. To utilize it to the fullest, we recommendcreating a restore pointwhen making changes to the computer.
6. Reset Windows 11
After you havefactory reset Windows 11, theSearch indexing was turned off error in Windows 11 would be gone for good.
Should search indexing be on or off?
Is it safe to disable search indexing?
Disabling search indexing is safe, but only if it’s causing problems on your PC. However, it will make searching a lot slower if you do so.
The potential resolutions here will likely fix theSearch indexing was turned offerror for most Windows 11 users. So, make sure you give them a try first. And with indexing turned on, you can noweffectively search on Windows 11.
You can alsomodify the indexing parameters or disable the featureto reduce the Windows Search service’s resource utilization when you’ve fixed it.
Have you managed to do so? Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments area below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
