Windows 10: How to prevent users from modifying Search Index Locations in Windows 10

Windows Search Index helps you find a particular file quickly while searching for it, and it is possible to add or remove locations in Search Index. If you have customized the Search Index according to your requirements and prevent users from modifying Search Index Locations in Windows 10, you can follow this tutorial. It is possible to create the limitation using the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry Editor. When you do this, the Modify Search Index Locations will be grayed out.



Prevent users from modifying Search Index Locations using Group Policy


To prevent users from modifying Search Index locations using Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and hit the Enter button.
3. Navigate to Search in Computer Configuration.
4. Double-click on the Prevent customization of indexed locations in Control Panel setting.
5. Select the Enabled option.
6. Click on the OK button.

Continue reading to know more about these steps.

At first, you have to open the Local Group Policy Editor on your computer. For that, press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit the Enter button.

Once it is opened, navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search

Here you can find a setting called Prevent customization of indexed locations in Control Panel on the right side. Double-click on it and select the Enabled option.



Click on the OK button to save the change.

Block users from modifying Search Index Locations using Registry


To prevent users from modifying Search Index locations using Registry, follow these steps:

1. Search for regedit in the Taskbar search box.
2. Click on the individual result and select 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 > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name it as PreventModifyingIndexedLocations.
8. Double-click on it to set the Value data as 1.
9. Click the OK button.

Let’s check out the detailed version of these steps.

At first, search for regedit in the Taskbar search box, click on the individual result and select the Yes option to open the Registry Editor. After that, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Right-click on Windows > New > Key, and name it Windows Search.



Right-click on Windows Search > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it as PreventModifyingIndexedLocations.



Double-click on this REG_DWORD value to set the Value data as 1.



Click the OK button to save the change.

If you follow the Registry method, don’t forget to create a System Restore point before changing anything.

That’s all!

Read: Windows Search Indexer and Indexing Tips & Tricks.


This article How to prevent users from modifying Search Index Locations in Windows 10 first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

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Windows 10 Quick Search Not Showing Indexed Locations

Hi,

Since you have already added it in Indexing options, we suggest you to run Indexing troubleshooter to check for possible caused of the issue. To do so, follow the steps below:

• Press Windows key.
• Type Troubleshooting.
• On the left pane, click View all.
• Click Search and Indexing.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Add or Remove Search Index Locations in Windows 10  


Ah ! I have found this on TechNet which seems related:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com...s-10-computers

 

Windows 10 search not indexing Outlook 2013, no search results

Hi,

Thank you for your interest in using Windows 10.

Let's diagnose the issue by referring to the following suggestion and check if that helps you.

First of all, I would suggest you to check if the
Windows Search Service is running in Automatic mode under the list of Windows services. You can follow the steps to check and start the
Windows Search again:

• Press Windows+R keys to open Run. Type “servces.msc” without quotes and hit
  Enter.
• From the list of services, locate the Windows Search Support Service
  and Windows Search Service.
• Right click on the Windows Search Service
  and then click on Properties.
• Check if the service is running. If not, start the service and change the
  Startup type to Automatic.
• Follow the same steps to start the Bluetooth service
  and change the startup type to Automatic.

You can also try the following suggestion.

Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter. Follow the steps mentioned below.

• Press “Windows key + W”.
• Type “Troubleshooting” without quotes in the Search box and hit enter.
• Select “View all” option from the left panel.
• Select “Search and Indexing”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

Hope this information helps you. Please do let us know if you need further assistance.