Windows 10: How to prevent users from indexing Specific Paths in Search Index on Windows 10

At times, you might not want to include a particular folder or path in Windows Search. You can follow this tutorial to prevent users from indexing specific paths in the Search index on Windows 10 computer. It is possible to create this limitation using the Registry Editor and the Local Group Policy Editor.

Let’s assume that you have some confidential files on your computer, and you do not want them to be included in Windows Search. You can enter a common folder path such as D:\my-folder\ (where D is a drive) so that other people cannot index any sub-folders that are pleased inside the my-folder. For example, users or even you cannot include a path like this: D:\my-folder\mysubfolder.



If you plan to follow the Registry Editor method, don’t forget to create a System Restore point or backup all Registry files before heading to the corresponding steps.

Prevent users from indexing specific paths in Search Index using Registry


To prevent users from indexing specific paths in Search Index, follow these steps:

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit, press Enter, and click the Yes option.
3. Navigate to Windows in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4. Right-click on Windows > New > Key.
5. Name it Windows Search.
6. Right-click on Windows Search > New > Key.
7. Name it as PreventIndexingCertainPaths.
8. Right-click on it > New > String Value.
9. Name it as your folder path.
10. Double-click on it to set the Value data.
11. Enter the Value data as your folder path.
12. Click the OK button.

Let’s check out these steps in detail.

At first, you have to open the Registry Editor on your computer. For that, press Win+R > type regedit > hit the Enter button, and click on the Yes option in the UAC prompt.

Once it is opened, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key and name it as Windows Search. Now you have to create a sub-key inside Windows Search. For that, right-click on it, select New > Key, and name it as PreventIndexingCertainPaths.



Next, right-click on this latest key and select New > String Value. You have to name this String Value after your folder path.



For example, if your desired folder path is D:\my-folder, you must enter the name as file:///D:\my-folder\*. For your information, adding the *, in the end, makes a wildcard entry, allowing users to block the entire folder and all subfolders. Also, if you want to block a network shared folder, you can enter otfs instead of the file.



Next, you have to set the Value data of the String Value. For that, double-click on the String Value, enter the same folder path in the empty box, and click the OK button to save the change.

That’s it! Now you have to restart your computer to get the change.

Read: How to disable Advanced Search Indexing Options in Windows 10.

Block users from indexing specific paths in Search Index using Group Policy


To block users from indexing specific paths in Search Index using Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Press Win+R > type gpedit.msc and press Enter button.
2. Go to Search in Computer Configuration.
3. Double-click on the Prevent indexing certain paths setting.
4. Select the Enabled option.
5. Click on the Show button.
6. Enter the folder path.
7. Click the OK button twice.

To get started, press Win+R > type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter button to open the Local Group Policy Editor on your computer. Next, navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search

Double-click on the Prevent indexing certain paths setting and select the Enabled option.



Next, click on the Show button, and enter the desired folder path like this: file:///D:\my-folder\*



Then, click on the OK button twice to save the change.

That’s it! Hope this article helped you.


This article How to prevent users from indexing Specific Paths in Search Index on Windows 10 first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

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Search - Indexing not running

Hello,

One of the possible reasons why you're having issues when using search is because of a corrupted user profile. For us to assist you, we suggest that you create another account with administrator privileges and try to use the search feature again. Here's an
article that you can visit to see how to do it:
Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.

If the issue persists, we suggest that you perform the steps listed below to correct the settings of your Indexed folder:

• Press the Start button.
• Type %LocalAppData%.
• Select Packages.
• Click on windows.immersivecontrolpanel_cw5n1h2txyewy.
• Choose LocalState.
• Right-click the Indexed folder.
• Click Properties.
• Click Advanced.
• Click the checkbox beside Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties so that a check mark appears.
• Click OK.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK. A window with a progress bar will pop up as the folder is indexed.
• Click OK when the indexing progress is finished.

After doing the steps provided, kindly try to use the search feature again.

Kindly update us with the results and if you need further assistance, feel free to post back.

 

Windows 10 indexing / search

Hi Erik,

System conflict is one of the possible reasons why the index built will not function properly. We suggest running the Search and Indexing troubleshooter by following these steps to resolve your issue:

• Open Control Panel.
• In the search box, type troubleshooting.
• Click on Troubleshooting.
• Click on View all.
• Select Search and Indexing and select the proper scenario that you are experiencing on indexing and click
  Next for the troubleshooting to begin.

Update us with the outcome so we can provide you further assistance.

 

Windows 10 Windows Search / Indexing Stops Completing

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern and will assist you to resolve this issue.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps

• Press Windows key + R.
• Type Services.msc In the search box.
• Select Windows Search
• Restart the services and set the service as Automatic

If the issue persist try performing Rebuilding Index again.

To rebuild the index follow the steps below:

• Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
• Open Indexing Options in the Control Panel.
  
• Select the Advanced button in the Indexing Options window.
• Select Rebuild in the Troubleshooting section of the Advanced Options window.
• Select OK when it asks if you’re sure you want to re-build the search index.

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help