In C:\Users\*ME*\ there is a folder names "Searches". It contains subfolders : Everywhere ; Indexed Searches ; and a winrt-- *key* folder. These folders contain many items.
Q1: Where do these searches originate from? What program/process is creating these entries?
Q2: Is it OK to clear the files inside these folders (manually delete)?
Q3: Is the an easy way to clear these searches within Windows Settings?
TIA
I have the same thing.
The first two (under desktop.ini) seem to be a quick shortcut to list every single indexed file on your computer (via Indexing Options)
[I opened them in NotePad]. From what I understood in those search files, they search for any "item" on the computer.
They are NOT big files. They are "shortcut" files that once you open any of them, they list so many files on your computer.
(In my photo, each one says 1 KB; technically, they are much smaller than 1 KB each)
A1: Most likely Windows 10 OS created those files, more specifically: "Indexing Options", since I have the same files you have.
A2: Do not delete anything inside them. When you open any of them, they list REAL files on your computer. If you delete anything in there, you WILL DELETE files on your computer. I do not recommend deleting anything that any of them list. For example: here is what "Indexed Locations" lists:
I was just working on collecting wallpaper images. I see them listed here. Those are real files. I am not going to delete them.
A3: I don't know what will happen if you remove these three Search Shortcuts. They might recreate themselves again. But I wouldn't delete them. The "winrt" one is weird. Dunno what that one is.
Last edited by pepanee; 02 Apr 2022 at 10:12.
Yes, it's definitely every file on the PC. 610,418 of them on mine, dated all the way back to 1991.
So this must be what happens when you select indexing in File Explorer?
Mine is empty.
Yes, interesting.
It has to be something different in our settings as compared to yours.
Notice the date on the "saved search". It means nothing to me. But there are many files in that folder newer than that date.
_
I can only find 3 places where there are settings relating to indexing and saved searches:
1- Settings > search
_
Note: I tried clearing search history here. No effect on the subject folders.
I also just turned OFF "search history on this device. It was ON.
2- Control Panel - File History
_
No help there.
3- Control Panel - Indexing Options
_
I'm not sure what to do with this.
I disable the 'Windows Search' Service, and delete the 'Search Folder.
I always keep it off and it's never adversely impacted me in File Explorer to be honest. Maybe cause I've never indexed 'content', and /or my total 'C:' file count is 200,000. I just use 3rd party tools if I need to dig deeper
Worth noting, this 'Search Folder' returns after I enable the service again.
Last edited by Farvatten; 03 Apr 2022 at 23:15.
Mine is running, while the folder remains empty.
Interesting Matthew... hmm.
It's possible it's in another location other than C:/Users/<username>. It has the ability to be moved anywhere. I've had mine magically appear under the the Dropbox folder once. Do a system search for a folder name 'Searches'. It's possible it may be hiding.
Or look in this Regedit key:
Where the value for the current 'Searches' folder and path are in this key:Code:Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\
Code:{7D1D3A04-DEBB-4115-95CF-2F29DA2920DA}
Update: On further testing it appears the folder isn't necessary tied to the Windows Search Service as I had mentioned before.
However it can be generated by choosing 'Save Search' on the File Explorer Search Tab.
Yes, interesting.
It has to be something different in our settings as compared to yours.
Notice the date on the "saved search". It means nothing to me. But there are many files in that folder newer than that date.
_
I can only find 3 places where there are settings relating to indexing and saved searches:
1- Settings > search
_
Note: I tried clearing search history here. No effect on the subject folders.
I also just turned OFF "search history on this device. It was ON.
2- Control Panel - File History
_
No help there.
3- Control Panel - Indexing Options
_
I'm not sure what to do with this.
Hello, @TV2.
I'm sorry, I can not offer any advice.
I do know that the 'winrt' folder can be deleted safely, as I have done it in the past. However, it will replicate, as evidenced in my prior screenshot, which when opened, contains nothing.
Search Screenshot
I gave up on trying to determine it, long ago.
As for the rest, I have no idea. But I do wish you luck!
Best regards, WXC.
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