Fix High CPU Usage by Microsoft Windows Search Indexer

Problem overview

The Microsoft Windows Search Indexer process uses massive amounts of CPU and disk I/O. The computer becomes unresponsive and hot as the indexer struggles to map your files.

Common causes

• A corrupted search index database
• Too many large directories included in the index
• Broken file permissions causing the indexer to hang
• A bug triggered by a recent Windows Update

Solution 1: Run the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security, then click Troubleshoot.
3. Select Additional troubleshooters.
4. Click Search and Indexing and select Run the troubleshooter.
5. Check the box for Search or indexing is slowing down the computer and follow the prompts.

Solution 2: Rebuild the Search Index

1. Press the Windows key, type Indexing Options, and press Enter.
2. Click the Advanced button. You need administrator privileges to do this.
3. Click the Rebuild button under the Troubleshooting section.
4. Click OK to confirm.

Solution 3: Reduce indexed locations

1. Open Indexing Options from the Start Menu.
2. Click the Modify button.
3. Uncheck locations that contain large amounts of data you rarely search, such as backup drives or massive code repositories.
4. Click OK to save the changes.
5. The indexer will drop those locations and immediately lower its CPU footprint.

Solution 4: Restart the Windows Search service

1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate Windows Search.
3. Right-click the service and select Restart.
4. If the high CPU usage continues, you can right-click the service, select Properties, and change the Startup type to Disabled as a temporary workaround.