Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To control what Everything indexes, use Tools > Options > Exclude to remove unwanted paths, and Tools > Options > Folders to add locations through folder indexing. These controls do different jobs. On NTFS drives, also review the NTFS options because native NTFS indexing is faster than folder indexing. If you only want results from one location, use a search-path filter instead; that narrows displayed results without changing the index.
Choose the right control first
Everything can find files from more than one index source. The correct setting depends on whether you want to change the paths that are indexed, add a non-NTFS location, or merely limit what appears in a particular search.
| Your goal | Use this control | What changes | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stop a folder from being indexed | Tools > Options > Exclude | The selected path is left out of indexing. | Exclusions can also cover hidden/system items and wildcard or regular-expression patterns. |
| Add a specific folder, share, or non-NTFS location | Tools > Options > Folders | Creates a folder-indexed location, with optional subfolder indexing. | Adding an entry does not automatically replace the NTFS index configuration. |
| Control which NTFS volumes participate | Tools > Options > NTFS | Adjusts native NTFS indexing for available NTFS volumes. | Review this page when you need a genuinely narrow index rather than an additional folder index. |
| Show results from one path temporarily | Search syntax, including a path ending in a backslash | Filters the current result set. | The underlying index remains unchanged. |
voidtools documents the Exclude and index controls in its Options documentation and Indexes documentation. The distinction matters: putting a folder on the Folders page is not the same as declaring an allowlist that replaces every other index source.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How Everything’s index sources fit together
Native NTFS indexing
For NTFS volumes, Everything can use the file-system metadata index. voidtools describes this native NTFS method as faster than folder indexing. If the folders you care about are on an NTFS volume, keeping the native index and excluding only the paths you do not want is usually the most efficient arrangement. The exact volume choices and labels can vary with the Everything version, so inspect the NTFS page rather than assuming that a Folders entry controls the whole drive.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
Folder indexing
Folder indexing is intended for locations that are not covered by native NTFS indexing, including network shares and other file systems. It maintains a separate index for each configured folder. The official Folder Indexing documentation notes that this method is slower than native NTFS indexing and that the first scan can take several minutes. Files from a location are not available in search until that initial scan finishes.
Why “Folders” is not automatically an exclusive allowlist
The Folders list describes locations added through folder indexing. It does not, by itself, prove that all default NTFS indexing has been removed. If your requirement is “index nothing except these paths,” combine explicit exclusions with a review of the NTFS options. This avoids the common mistake of adding one folder and assuming every other volume or path has disappeared from the index.
Exclude folders you do not need
Exclusions are the direct way to remove unwanted paths from the index. They are useful when most of a drive is valuable but a few trees contain backups, caches, build output, private material, or other files you never want returned.
- Open Everything.
- Choose Tools > Options.
- Select Exclude in the options list.
- Choose Add Folder, browse to the folder, and confirm the path.
- Apply the settings and allow Everything to update its index.
The Exclude page also provides broad checkboxes for hidden and system items. Use those when the rule should apply to those classes of files across the indexed locations, rather than adding many individual directories. Because a broad checkbox can remove more than one folder, read the resulting setting carefully before applying it.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
Use wildcard or regular-expression exclusions
For repeated naming patterns, choose Add Filter on the Exclude page. Enter a wildcard pattern when a simple pattern is enough; use a regex: expression when you need regular-expression matching supported by that page. A pattern is more maintainable than adding dozens of folders, but it can also match more paths than intended. After adding one, test a distinctive file name and inspect whether the matching locations have disappeared.
Exclude a parent or a child?
Excluding a parent folder removes that entire branch, including descendants covered by the rule. Excluding only a child leaves sibling folders available. Choose the narrowest path that meets your privacy or performance goal, especially when a parent contains both needed and unwanted material. If you later need one excluded child, replace the broad rule with more specific exclusions rather than stacking contradictory entries.
Check the result
Search for a file that exists only inside the excluded path. If it still appears, check whether another index source is supplying it: for example, the same network location may also be configured under Folders, or an NTFS volume may still be indexed natively. The Exclude page controls paths left out of the index, but it cannot undo a separate configuration that points to the same content without reviewing that configuration too.
Add only the folder-indexed locations you need
Use the Folders page when you need to index a particular directory that is not handled by native NTFS indexing, such as a network share or another supported file-system location.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
- Choose Tools > Options.
- Open Folders.
- Choose Add and select the folder or share.
- For the new entry, decide whether Index subfolders should be enabled.
- Configure monitoring and update or rescan behavior for how often the location changes.
- Apply the settings and wait for the initial scan to complete before relying on results.
Choose the indexing depth
With Index subfolders enabled, the entry covers the selected folder and its descendants. Turn it off when only the immediate folder should be indexed. This is useful for a drop folder whose files matter but whose archive subdirectories do not. Because the setting is per entry, create separate entries when two sibling folders need different depths.
Choose how changes are maintained
Folder indexing can monitor a location and can use scheduled or manual rescans. Monitoring helps detect changes while Everything is running; scheduled rescans provide a way to catch changes that occurred while a share was unavailable or the application was stopped. The folder can remain listed even when the location is offline, but its contents cannot be refreshed until the location is reachable again. The vendor describes these behaviors in its Folder Indexing guide.
Allow for the first scan
The initial folder scan may take several minutes, depending on the location and connection. Results are unavailable until that scan completes. Do not diagnose an empty result set as an exclusion problem while the status still indicates that indexing is in progress. For a large share, let the first scan finish before changing multiple settings; otherwise it becomes difficult to tell whether a missing file is a configuration issue or simply not scanned yet.
Build a genuinely limited index
When the requirement is strict—such as indexing a work tree but no personal or system paths—use a layered review instead of relying on one page.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
- List the exact folders that must be searchable, including any network or non-NTFS locations.
- Open Tools > Options > NTFS and review which NTFS volumes are enabled for native indexing. Adjust those volume choices to match your scope.
- Open Tools > Options > Exclude and add unwanted paths, hidden/system classes, or carefully tested patterns.
- Open Tools > Options > Folders and add only the required non-NTFS or network locations. Set subfolder depth per entry.
- Apply the configuration, wait for initial scans, and test with files located both inside and outside the intended scope.
This workflow recognizes that native NTFS and folder indexes are separate mechanisms. The official Indexes page and Options page should be your reference if labels differ in your installed version. Folder Indexing functionality documented by voidtools is marked as requiring Everything 1.5; if your build does not show the Folders controls described here, check which version you are running before troubleshooting.
Keep performance predictable
Prefer NTFS for NTFS volumes
On an NTFS volume, native indexing is the faster choice documented by voidtools. Use folder indexing where native indexing is unavailable or unsuitable, not as a replacement simply because its page is easier to understand. Mixing both methods for the same content can create duplicate maintenance work and make troubleshooting harder.
Limit broad patterns
A wildcard or regular-expression exclusion can cover a large number of paths. Start with one known test directory, verify the match, and then broaden it. Keep a short note of why each broad rule exists; otherwise a later change may remove files someone still expects to search.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPlan for offline locations
A network share may remain listed while disconnected, but Everything cannot discover new or changed files until the share is reachable and a monitor or rescan can process it. If staff regularly work offline, schedule rescans for a time when the share is normally available and expect a delay before recently changed files appear.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Do you need an index change or just a narrower search?
If the index is correct but a query should show one directory, do not change Options. Everything’s search syntax can constrain results to a location by entering the path with a trailing backslash. For example, searching for D:Projects limits the displayed results to that path. This is a result filter, not an indexing rule: files elsewhere remain indexed and will appear in later searches that do not include the path.
Folder-only views and other search filters have the same distinction. They change what is displayed in the current search. They do not stop Everything from watching, scanning, or storing entries for other indexed paths. The syntax and filter behavior are documented on voidtools’ Searching page.
The phrase “index folders only” is often used to describe this confusion. A community discussion using that wording is available at voidtools’ forum, but the reliable configuration decision is still the one above: Options change indexing; search syntax changes results.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Practical configurations
One work folder on an NTFS drive
Keep the drive’s native NTFS index if its speed is important. Add exclusions for unrelated top-level folders and use the NTFS options to decide whether the volume itself should remain indexed. If the drive contains both work and personal data, exclusions are usually less disruptive than replacing native indexing with a folder index.
A network project share
Add the project directory under Folders, enable Index subfolders if the entire project tree is needed, and choose monitoring plus a scheduled rescan appropriate to the share’s availability. Expect no results during the first scan and a refresh delay after the share has been offline.
Only files immediately inside a drop folder
Add the drop folder under Folders and disable Index subfolders. This keeps archive or processed subdirectories out of that folder-indexed entry. If those subdirectories are also reachable through an NTFS index or another folder entry, exclude them or remove the duplicate source as well.
Hide system and temporary content broadly
Use the hidden and system exclusion checkboxes when that policy should apply everywhere. Add a targeted wildcard or regular-expression filter only when the naming pattern is stable and tested. Broad exclusions are easier to maintain, while targeted rules preserve access to unrelated hidden or system paths you may still need.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Likely explanation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| A folder added under Folders did not remove other search results. | The entry added a folder index; it did not replace NTFS indexing. | Review NTFS options and add explicit exclusions under Exclude. |
| An excluded file still appears. | Another index source may include the same path, or the exclusion pattern may not match. | Check duplicate Folders entries, NTFS volume settings, and the exact spelling or pattern on the Exclude page. |
| A new network file is missing. | The share was offline, monitoring was disabled, or a rescan has not run. | Reconnect the share, verify monitoring and scheduled-rescan settings, then perform a rescan when available. |
| The new folder returns no results. | Its initial scan has not finished. | Wait for indexing to complete; the vendor says results are unavailable before completion. |
| Only one search should be limited, but index settings were changed. | A result-filtering task was treated as an indexing task. | Restore the desired index configuration and use a path ending in a backslash for the query. |
| The Folders option is missing or labels differ. | Feature availability and wording vary by Everything version; the documented folder-indexing functionality requires Everything 1.5. | Confirm the installed version and consult the current Options and Folder Indexing pages. |
Final configuration checklist
- Write down the folders that must be searchable before changing settings.
- Decide whether each location is on an NTFS volume, a network share, or another file system.
- Use native NTFS indexing for NTFS volumes when its speed advantage fits your needs.
- Use Exclude for unwanted paths, hidden/system classes, and tested wildcard or regex rules.
- Use Folders for required folder-indexed locations and set Index subfolders deliberately.
- Configure monitoring and rescans for locations that change while Everything or the share may be offline.
- Wait for initial indexing to finish before judging whether a folder is searchable.
- Test one file that should appear and one file that should not.
- For a one-off scope, use a search path with a trailing backslash instead of changing the index.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
