Turn On Windows Search’s Index

Learn how to turn on Windows 7’s search index.

Windows 7’s search index is used to keep track of everything the Windows search engine finds when it scans your computer’s files so that search results can be quickly shown to you when you search.

Turn On Windows Search’s Index

1. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2. Open Folder Options in the Control Panel.

   

   Note: If Folder Options isn’t available, change View by to Large icons at the top right of the Control Panel.

3. Select the Search tab in the Folder Options window.

   

4. Uncheck Don’t use the index when searching the file system and then click OK.

   

Still need help? Ask Your Computer Question Now.

Explore other guides about: Guides • Productivity • Indexing • Search.

Related Guides:

• Turn Off Windows Search’s Index
• Set Windows Search to Index a File Type’s Properties Only
• Set Windows Search to Index a File Type’s Properties and Contents
• Choose Which File Types to Index
• Prevent Windows Search from Indexing a File Type

Installation and Setup

Networking
HomeGroup, Offline Files, Sync Center

Personalization
ClearType, Date and Time, Display, Folder Options, Gadgets, Group Policy, Mouse

Productivity
Search

Security
Microsoft Security Essentials, Parental Controls, Windows Defender, Windows Firewall

System Management and Maintenance
Indexing, Internet Options, Services, User Accounts

System Protection
Backup and Restore