The Windows Search Indexer, an integral part of your operating system, is responsible for cataloging files and content on your hard drive. Though it generally operates silently, it may occasionally result in elevated CPU usage in Windows. This guide presents solutions to permanently resolve high CPU usage caused by the Windows Search Indexer.

Tip: Discover how to restrict CPU usage by applications in Windows.

Table of Contents

• 1. Restart the Windows Search Service
• 2. Restart File Explorer
• 3. Limit Indexing Locations
• 4. Rebuild the Search Index
• 5. Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter
• 6. Temporarily Disable Windows Search

1. Restart the Windows Search Service

A common reason for high CPU usage linked to the Windows Search Indexer is temporary issues or glitches within the Search service.

Restarting the service might resolve this problem. This action essentially refreshes the Search service and restarts the Search Indexer.

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.
2. Enter services.msc into Run, and press Enter.

3. Right-click on the “Windows Search” service, then select “Properties” from the context menu.

4. In the Properties dialog, click “Stop,” wait a few moments, then click “Start.”
5. Ensure the “Startup type” is set to “Automatic,” then click “Apply -> OK” to save the changes.

6. Close the Services window and check if the issue has been resolved.

Tip: Is File Explorer causing problems on your PC? Learn how to tackle the most common File Explorer issues.

2. Restart File Explorer

If the issue isn't with the Windows Search service, restarting File Explorer might help by refreshing its components and processes, which can eliminate any temporary glitches or errors causing high CPU usage.

1. Right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to directly open the Task Manager.

2. In the Processes tab, find “Windows Explorer” or “explorer.exe,” right-click it.
3. Select “Restart” from the menu, and check if this action has made a difference.

Good to know: If you encounter the “Indexing is paused” error in Windows, we guide you on how to eliminate it from your system.

3. Limit Indexing Locations

Reducing the number of locations the Windows Search service indexes can help lower CPU usage by decreasing the number of files it needs to process. However, you'll need administrative privileges to make these changes. If you're using a local account, switch to an administrator account before proceeding.

1. Open the Run dialog again, type control, and press Enter.

2. Search for “Indexing Options” in the Control Panel's search bar, then click the relevant result.

3. In the Indexing dialog, you can limit the indexing locations in two ways:

• Exclude specific folders – Click “Modify,” and uncheck the folders you don’t want indexed. Click “OK” to save the changes.

• Exclude file types – Click “Advanced,” go to the “File types” tab, and uncheck the file types you don’t want indexed. Click “OK” to save the changes.

4. If too many indexing locations were causing the issue, this should resolve it.

FYI: If the “Windows modules installer worker” process is causing high CPU usage, learn how to address it.

4. Rebuild the Search Index

Rebuilding the Search Index can address any corruption or inconsistencies causing excessive CPU usage by creating the indexer anew.

1. Launch the Indexing options dialog through the Control Panel as described above.
2. Click “Advanced.”
3. In the “Index Settings” tab, click “Rebuild.”

4. Click “OK” and exit the Indexing Options dialog. Check if the problem has been resolved.

5. Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

The Search and Indexing troubleshooter can help if the issue stems from modified or corrupted indexing settings or conflicts with other processes or software.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to “System -> Troubleshoot.”

3. Click “Other troubleshooters” in the next window.

4. Click “Run” for the “Search and Indexing” troubleshooter.

5. If a problem is detected, click “Apply this fix” or “Try these repairs as an administrator” to implement the solution. If the utility can't apply the fix, it will suggest solutions for you to resolve manually.

6. If the troubleshooter doesn't find a problem, click “Close the troubleshooter,” and proceed to the next solution.
7. In Windows 10, navigate to “Settings -> Update & Security -> Troubleshoot -> Find and fix other problems” to access the Search and Indexing troubleshooter.

Tip: If the Windows Start Search isn't functioning, learn how to fix it.

6. Temporarily Disable Windows Search

If you need an immediate solution to high CPU usage caused by the Search Indexer and other fixes haven't worked, consider temporarily disabling the Windows Search service to halt indexing and searching processes, thus providing temporary relief from CPU-intensive activities.

1. Open the Run dialog and type services.msc.

2. Right-click on the “Windows Search” service.
3. Select “Properties” from the menu.

4. Change the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”

5. Click “Apply -> OK” to save the changes.
6. Remember, this is a temporary fix and doesn't address the root issue. Continue troubleshooting as soon as possible.

Note: If the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry process is showing high CPU usage, we can assist in fixing that too.

Concluding High CPU Usage

High CPU usage can detrimentally affect your system and overall user experience. If the solutions above don't work, consider running a system scan with the System File Checker, performing a clean Windows installation, or seeking help from Microsoft's official support team.

Image credits: Freepik. All screenshots by Zainab Falak.

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