Windows 10: Microsoft Windows Search Indexer High CPU usage and Windows Explorer Freezing

Whenever I try to open a folder from the Windows explorer, it freezes and never responds. I have to restart it to unfreeze it. I currently cant open any files from Windows Explorer. I can use another file explorer application to access files, as well as browse from within other programs such as Notepad++ or Word.The Microsoft Windows Search Indexer has a relatively high CPU usage around 10% and maintains this all the time. Sometimes it will go up to ~20%. I had this issue previously and tried to update windows, drivers and programs. I tried to uninstall my antivirus and many other programs. I

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Super high cpu usage on "Microsoft Windows Search Index"

Hi UN. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

1) Try these fixes for Windows 11 Search high CPU usage:

https://windows101tricks.com/windows-10-search-...

https://www.digitbin.com/fix-windows-11-high-cp...

https://nerdschalk.com/how-to-fix-windows-searc...

https://fosspc.com/microsoft-windows-11-search-...

https://www.getdroidtips.com/windows-search-hig...

https://www.thecpuguide.com/windows-11/windows-...

2) See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:

How To Use Windows 11 System Restore Point (4 Ways)

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-spe...



3) Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.

If the drivers are not present or not working for Facial Recognition or Fingerprint then contact your PC manufacturer's Support.

3) Expedite install of all Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, including needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.

Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.

4) Run a full Windows 11 Disk Check: https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind...

5) Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:

https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/

6) Download, install and run a full scan with free Malwarebyes from Free Antivirus 2023 | Free Malwarebytes Download | 100% Free & Easy Install | Malware Removal after enabling Root Kit scan in Scan Settings. Clean Up anything it finds and then run again. Turn off Real Time trial in Control panel to keep as on-demand scanner.

7) Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

8) If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...



Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

 

Windows Search Indexer high disk usage

Windows Search Indexer high disk usage

 

Windows Explorer high CPU Usage in Windows 10

Hi Andrew,

Usually, too many background processes can boost your CPU usage. Since you already disabled the apps that are not necessary on startup,
we suggest checking the applications running once you have successfully boot Windows 10. To do this, simply follow the steps below:

• Click on the Start button and type Task Manager on the search box.
• On the Task Manager window, you should see the programs running.
• Click on the More details drop-down button to see the total number of apps running and their real-time CPU usage.

From there, you should see what applications are running on high CPU usage. You can also
restart the Windows Management Instrumentation service and see if your CPU performance will improve. Follow the instructions below to restart the service:

• Click on the Start button and type Services.
• Scroll down the list and look for Windows Management Instrumentation.
• Right click on it and select Restart.

Should you have further questions, please let us know.