Windows 10: Windows 11 - Indexing, Searching Windows, Background Process: Lag and Inability to access...

Hi there, I have an issue that produces extreme lag with file explorer searches and general lag when accessing my drives. I tried this steps at this link with little to no success How to stop windows 11 from suspending Search Host in Task - Microsoft Community I'm unable to access the background processes through settings>Searching windows - the process simple doesn't follow through. I've changed Search to automatic in services.msc. I've also tried rebuilding the Indexing options but it showed no apparent fix or indications that anything happened. I haven't tried a reboot as I don't have

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Windows 11 Search Index Pauses and never completes.

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.



The issue you're encountering with Windows 11 search indexing pausing and never completing is indeed frustrating, especially when it affects several users within your environment. While this problem has sporadically appeared in previous versions of Windows, it's concerning to hear it's persisting in Windows 11, despite your efforts to rectify it, including disabling antivirus software and changing the index location.

Given the steps you've already taken, here are some additional troubleshooting steps and considerations that might help resolve the indexing issue:

Ensure all devices are fully updated. Sometimes, Microsoft releases patches for known issues through Windows Updates.

Ensure that the PCs are not set to a power-saving mode, which might limit background processes like indexing.

• Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep and adjust the settings for the PCs to be more performance-oriented.
  

Disk errors can cause problems with file indexing. Running a check disk can identify and potentially fix these issues.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type chkdsk /f /r then press Enter. The system may need to restart to complete the scan.
  

Microsoft provides a troubleshooter that can reset Windows Search completely:

• Download and run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter from Microsoft's official website. Follow the prompts to diagnose and resolve any issues found.
  

It sounds like you've already tried rebuilding the index, but ensure to follow these steps to completely reset it:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
  
• Click on Advanced indexing options > Advanced > Rebuild under Troubleshooting. Note that rebuilding the index can take a long time, especially if there are many files to process.
  

If these PCs are part of a domain, ensure that there aren't any Group Policy settings inadvertently affecting the indexing service.

• Run gpedit.msc and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search. Verify that policies like "Allow Cortana" and "Allow search and Cortana to use location" are configured correctly.
  

Improper file permissions can hinder the indexer's ability to scan certain locations. Ensure that the SYSTEM account has proper permissions to all directories included in the index.

Ensure that the Windows Search service is set to start automatically and is running:

• Press Win + R , type services.msc and press Enter.
  
• Find Windows Search in the list, right-click it, select Properties, set Startup type to Automatic, and ensure the service is running.
  

Event Viewer may provide more insight into what's causing the indexing to pause. Look under Windows Logs > Application for any warnings or errors related to search or indexing.

As a test, create a new user profile on one of the affected machines. If indexing works correctly on the new profile, the issue might be specific to the user profiles, which could necessitate more specific troubleshooting or profile recreation.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

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

 

Windows 11 Windows Search not searching or Indexing PDFs

Brand new Dell XPS laptop with Windows 11. It will not search text within PDF files. From looking on the internet seems like there are lots of problems Windows Search in Windows 11 which did not exist in Windows 10. Including not searching/indexing contents of PDF files, which is critical for me.

Has ANYONE been able to search within PDF files on Windows 11?

Please don't suggest re-indexing, have done 6 or 7 times. And, yes indexing settings are set to index contents of PDF files.