Since Windows 10, the beginning menu search continues to be abysmal. I mean, it couldn't find files properly, it missed the obvious searches even with correct pronunciation and words. Instead of showing your files, often times you will be treated with Bing search engine results. The "Best Match" Bing results are by no means useful in actually searching for local files.

In fact, unless you store all your files inside the library folders (like documents, pictures, downloads, etc.) or on the desktop, you just cannot search for your files within the start menu.

With Windows 10 version 18267 (19H1), it's all changing. Microsoft is finally hearing its users and added a new feature called enhanced way of search indexer. By activating the enhanced mode for search indexer, Windows will index your whole hard drive thus improving the start menu search in Windows 10. This extended indexing enables you to search and discover files located anywhere in your hard drive.

To show off or on enhanced way of search indexer, we are going to use the Settings app.

Turn On or Off Enhanced Way of Start Menu Search Indexer

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the laptop keyboard shortcut Win + I. You may also open Settings app in Windows 10 in the notification area.

2. In the Settings app, go to the "Cortana" after which "Searching Windows" option. This is when you are able to control the Windows search using enhanced mode for search indexer.

3. Within this page, select "Enhanced (Recommended)" option under Find My Files section to show around the enhanced mode of search indexer within the start menu.

As soon as you turn on the enhanced mode of search indexer in the start menu, Windows will begin the one-time indexing process. Depending on the quantity of files you have and the hard disk size, the indexing will take serious amounts of complete. The first-time indexing process is resource intensive. So, if you are on a laptop, plug it in so that it can function at full speed without any limitation.

According to Microsoft, it will take about Fifteen minutes to start seeing the outcomes within the start menu search.

Of course, after the one-time indexing is finished, Windows will keep the indexing up-to-date automatically. Since Windows only scans for changes, it will not be as resource intensive as the first-time or one-time indexing.

The good thing about the Enhanced mode in the settings app is it enables you to exclude folders from indexing. This is helpful if you do not want certain files and folders to become indexed and searchable in the start menu. To exclude a folder, click the "Add an excluded folder" button and select the folder you want to exclude from search indexing.

To show off enhanced mode for search indexer in Windows 10, you simply have to select the "Classic" option under Find My Files section. This method will limit search indexer to index just the libraries and desktop.

Take a look at sticky notes keyboard shortcuts to improve productivity and obtain most from sticky notes app in Windows 10.