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How does windows search work, under the hood?

How does windows search work, under the hood?

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Jaydubz2
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10-04-2023, 09:26 PM
#1
I've been using Linux since 2014 and have been learning about filesystem indexing. I'm curious about how Windows search operates. Specifically, does it automatically index itself, either at regular intervals or whenever changes occur in the filesystem? Also, does it first look in the index before searching the entire filesystem? This might explain why searches can take a long time even after finding results quickly in the index. ⮚ If so, this could potentially affect hard disk performance. Any additional details or resources would be helpful.
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Jaydubz2
10-04-2023, 09:26 PM #1

I've been using Linux since 2014 and have been learning about filesystem indexing. I'm curious about how Windows search operates. Specifically, does it automatically index itself, either at regular intervals or whenever changes occur in the filesystem? Also, does it first look in the index before searching the entire filesystem? This might explain why searches can take a long time even after finding results quickly in the index. ⮚ If so, this could potentially affect hard disk performance. Any additional details or resources would be helpful.

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benjol21
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2
10-05-2023, 12:04 AM
#2
1-Yes (and I think those intervals repeat when the computer isn't running)
2-Yes (it worked for W7; now it covers everything)
3-It could be.
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benjol21
10-05-2023, 12:04 AM #2

1-Yes (and I think those intervals repeat when the computer isn't running)
2-Yes (it worked for W7; now it covers everything)
3-It could be.

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Th3_K1ll3r
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10-05-2023, 03:56 AM
#3
Windows 10 offers two search modes for "Classic" and "Enhanced". Classic focuses on indexing a specific folder (like the Start Menu, Documents, Pictures), while Enhanced indexes all files. The settings can be adjusted via Settings > Search > Search Windows. For more on Classic indexing, refer to the official documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...s-overview. It updates automatically when changes occur in a folder, and during idle periods (paused when activity is detected), such as during Windows Maintenance. This maintenance phase lasts until completion, which is managed under Start > type: Maintenance > Security and Maintenance > expand > Maintenance. The process continues until the defined maintenance period ends.
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Th3_K1ll3r
10-05-2023, 03:56 AM #3

Windows 10 offers two search modes for "Classic" and "Enhanced". Classic focuses on indexing a specific folder (like the Start Menu, Documents, Pictures), while Enhanced indexes all files. The settings can be adjusted via Settings > Search > Search Windows. For more on Classic indexing, refer to the official documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows...s-overview. It updates automatically when changes occur in a folder, and during idle periods (paused when activity is detected), such as during Windows Maintenance. This maintenance phase lasts until completion, which is managed under Start > type: Maintenance > Security and Maintenance > expand > Maintenance. The process continues until the defined maintenance period ends.

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