Windows 10: What do these redundant indexing options even do?

I had huge problem with several external HDDs and even SSDs due to indexing. My system slowed down and mouse cursor was replaced with progress wheel several times a second. I couldn't safely remove the drive because indexing prevented this.It turns out, I had to disable indexing service.Now I have question on what those indexing properties do.1. There are "Indexing Options" in control panel, they never included external HDDs, yet indexing somehow slowed down HDDs, why?2. Even with "Indexing Options" not containing any folder or drive and indexing service disabled, a freshly formatted HDD

:)

 

Unable to make changes in Indexing Options

Hello,

We suggest to run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter and check if it helps with the indexing issue you are experiencing.

Here's how you may run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter:

• Press the Windows key + X, and then click
  Control Panel.
• Type Troubleshooting, and then click View all.
• Click Search and Indexing.
• Follow the steps provided by the troubleshooter.

Tell us how it goes.

Regards.

 

Indexing options does not respond

Hi, ignore my post right above this. You don't need to post a screenshot.


First, make sure you tried this method:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-fix-solutions
Look what it says under Windows 10. Follow along that tutorial.
After completion, restart your computer and check Indexing Options



If that didn't work:

I found two other methods for you that you should try. They're a little advanced, yet the steps are very simple to follow since there is picture tutorials of it. But please be very careful and follow the steps exactly and follow along with the pictures!
Go here: Repairing Windows Search Indexer Problems


There are 14 items listed under contents.

Press #12 Indexer Registry Fix.
Follow along with that tutorial EXACTLY with the pictures that help you follow along.
After restarting the computer, check Indexing Options



If that didn't work

Press #13 Delete Search Index Folder.
After restarting the computer, check Indexing Options

 

OneDrive no longer in list of folders to index in "Indexing Options"

Ref: Windows 10 Pro Version 1803 (OS Build 17134.48)

Dear All,

After an Windows update today, OneDrive folder is no longer listed as a folder available for indexing in the "Indexing Options" control panel.

I have tried restarting, deleting the index, unlinking PC from OneDrive and relinking.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

By the way, why is the OneDrive Category locked when posting questions?!