Is it me or is File Explorer Search Feature useless?

I have commented on that many times. I'll ask you - when do YOU think indexing runs?

The 3rd party utilities themselves index the file system, typically in a few minutes. They will maintain that index, whether by scheduled scans or dynamically on changes.

MS has stated with the recent major builds they have paid particular attention to how indexing runs exactly so that there is no noticeable effect.

Let me ask you another question. When Windows search indexing is being undertaken (e.g. on adding a disk, adding folders to be indexed, rebuilding the index, what do you think happens when you start to use your PC?

Have you ever troubled to observe the Indexing Options count when this is happening?

Indexing STOPS when resource usage picks up even slightly.

So if indexing is not happening when you are using your PC, how then can it slow it down?

What can go wrong? File system corruption and a couple of other problems have been known to cause observable indexing spikes. I have never seen this myself.

I do not yet used one of the later builds with the revised indexing algorithm, having been deterred form upgrading to 1909 when initially MS broke search badly.

Which is faster?
I use a 3rd party search tool as well. (And I absolutely grant you it's a lot easier to use).
If every point in the file system below where you start your search with file explorer is indexed, then I see little difference.

The common mistake people make, understandably, is to use the defaults for what is indexed, and still expect instant results from a search of partially indexed folders.

That is almost never the case with the 3rd party tools which usually index everything by default. In that, they make things easy for the user.

That, a matter of historic bad press, and a lack of understanding, and a deserved reputation for being buggy that has destroyed Windows search in people's minds.

Few really use it for content indexing I guess- and again, what is indexed- both file types and location- requires understanding.

You ask about speed. I will give you an example. I have a fully indexed 1Tb HDD about 60% full. On that I have a text file containing 'aardvark'.

I can find that 'instantly' with file explorer.

Hi, forgive my curiosity- have you found it did not 'back off' as it should when indexing, or something else- and if so was that with an older build? And had it previously completed indexing, and was then indexing after some files had changed? Thanks.

Mm, maybe it's that sort of specific behaviour MS has had in mind in modifying the algorithm so it backs off more readily.
I don't use Outlook so would never have seen this. Ironic if it's MS product v. MS product...!

@bblegacy

I fully believe and understand that you are not a shill for Nirsoft. Nirsoft doesn't need promoters. The software is clean, doesn't need installation, and WORKS.

I have no idea how old Nir Sofer is, but he's been releasing trustworthy, effective software for LONG time. My impression is that he's slowing down now. Maybe he's finally running out of ideas, rather than running out of steam. I quote from his site:

"NirSoft is a Web site of one man. In NirSoft, there is no CTO or CEO, there is no secretary, there is no development team, and there are no rented offices. The entire Web site and all the utilities that you can find here were developed by me, and only by me. NirSoft is not a full-time job, but I use all my free time to maintain and develop this Web site."

I have 'instant' search results with Windows search even on C: and even if file explorer is open at My PC or C: - without indexing the O/S files.

Unfortunately most people probably have never had that experience. I didn't until I found out how by experimenting this year.
No more dreaded green progress bar.

Anyway, I'm unsubscribing from this as it's just another 'how good is your 3rd party search tool' thread.

(And I use one of those too...).