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 enable or disable automatic indexing of frequently used folders in Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & security > Search, expand Find my files if needed, and switch Automatically find additional relevant locations on or off. The option lets Windows index frequently used folders so files in them can appear in later search results.
Change the automatic folder indexing setting
- Press Win+I to open Settings.
- Select Privacy & security, then select Search.
- Under Find my files, expand the section if necessary and locate Automatically find additional relevant locations.
- Switch the setting On to allow automatic indexing of frequently used folders, or Off to disable that behavior. The ElevenForum walkthrough identifies On as the default. ElevenForum’s instructions provide the toggle steps.
What the setting changes
With the option enabled, Windows automatically indexes frequently used folders so files in those locations can appear in subsequent search results. Microsoft describes this behavior in its August 27, 2026 update notes for KB5120998, covering preview OS builds 26200.9278 and 26100.9278.
The notes do not specify which activity signals determine that a folder is frequently used, or explain the feature’s privacy and retention mechanics. They also do not establish whether switching the option off removes folders that may already have been added. The sources provide no measured speed, storage, or battery-life effects.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?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 & 11Should you turn it on or off?
| Setting | Effect described by the sources |
|---|---|
| On | Windows automatically indexes frequently used folders so their files can appear in subsequent search results. |
| Off | Disables automatic discovery and indexing of additional relevant locations. |
Choose based on whether you want Windows to add frequently used folders to search automatically. The available documentation does not quantify a performance or resource trade-off.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
About the registry alternative
ElevenForum also documents a registry procedure using HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows SearchScopeExpansion and a DWORD named Enabled (set to 1 to enable or 0 to disable). Its guide says to restart after merging a .reg file. Microsoft’s cited update notes document the Settings switch, not this registry method, so the Settings page is the appropriate route for most users.
If you cannot find the switch
Check Settings > Privacy & security > Search and expand Find my files. Labels and availability can vary by Windows build; Microsoft’s cited release note describes the feature in the August 27, 2026 preview for builds 26200.9278 and 26100.9278.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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.
