How do I set Windows to NOT index ANY drive?

[BirdDad]

running win8.1
Thanks

 

[Fardringle]

Unlike some previous versions of Windows, the disk indexing in Windows 8 (and 7) is actually very efficient, works well, and does not slow down the system. The exception being if you are running Windows 8 on a low end Windows XP era or older computer. Even then it's probably not worthwhile to disable the service.

However, if you insist on losing all of the benefits for (at most) 1% CPU usage savings, then press the Windows key and the letter "w", then type "services" and select the "View local services" icon. Find the Windows Search service in the list and disable it.

 

[Ketchup]

I use a slightly different approach, as I don't want to give up the search box.

I go into Control Panel, Indexing Options, and use the modify button to un-select the folders that I don't want to be indexed.

 

[BirdDad]

I don't like the indexing I can search for a certain file and index will miss it every time while unindexed it actually does search for what I tell it to.

 

[Fardringle]

I don't like the indexing I can search for a certain file and index will miss it every time while unindexed it actually does search for what I tell it to.

Then you are searching for files in locations that are not indexed. If that is a regular occurrence, tell the indexing service to include those locations.

 

[John Connor]

I never use indexing and just use the very fast and efficient Everything.exe

http://www.voidtools.com/downloads/

 

[tynopik]

I never use indexing and just use the very fast and efficient Everything.exe

http://www.voidtools.com/downloads/

This.

windows search sucks

 

[Charlie98]

I never use indexing and just use the very fast and efficient Everything.exe

+2 Search Everything rocks.