SearchUI.exe using bandwidth I need for gaming

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 248
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    SearchUI.exe using bandwidth I need for gaming


    SearchUI.exe keeps using up bandwidth which I want to be free when I play games. The majority of the 24 hours in a day, SearchUI.exe can phone home all it wants, telling Microsoft all the things I do "in private" but when I want to play games for a few hours, why can't it wait? It's using more bandwidth that my online game, causing constant lag spikes and ruining my experience. Why can't Microsoft spy on me considerately? How much data are they sending? I don't have a webcam so it can't be video data. It's unreal.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,634
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hi, have you made sure 'Hey Cortana' is turned off? My SearchUI.exe is suspended.

    SearchUI.exe using bandwidth I need for gaming-1.jpg

    Won't be anything to do with 'spying'. I mean, do you think MS wants to know how you won a particular level?
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 1,020
    Windows 10 Pro 20H2 19042.572
       #3

    @dalchina - Turning that off only stops Cortana. SearchUI.exe will still spend hours uploading what ever to Microsoft. I noticed this early on in W10. And sometimes it does it at some very inappropriate times, when you really need the band width.

    What I have done to fix this problem, is to take ownership of the sub directory "Systemapps" in the Windows Directory. Looking within Systemapps, there are many sub directories with cryptic names, one of them will have "Cortana" in the name. Select that directory, go to close to the end and you will find SearchUI.EXE. I usually re-name it to "SearchUI.OLD". You will receive a warning, that the file may not work, but continue. SearchUI will never call home again. You will receive several errors in your event logs at boot up, but the system seems to run normally (note I've been doing this for 4 years now with no problems). But some Cumulative updates will re-install SearchUI (However not all), as will DISM. You have to be vigillant and go thru the process again. NOTE: I do not supply any warranties with these changes - Your mileage may vary .
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 42,634
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    Not everyone experiences your problem nor needs to take such drastic measures. There are some possibly similar reports, but this is not something I've ever seen happen.

    Cortana is available on my PC- I just don't use it.

    There is a very handy set of settings here:
    Cortana and privacy – Microsoft privacy

    Perhaps what you are seeing is linked to syncing or monitoring ..
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 5,439
    Windows 11 Home
       #5

    If you are sure, it is caused by it, block it in the firewall. You can use something simple, like Free Firewall.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 248
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    storageman said:
    @dalchina - Turning that off only stops Cortana. SearchUI.exe will still spend hours uploading what ever to Microsoft. I noticed this early on in W10. And sometimes it does it at some very inappropriate times, when you really need the band width.

    What I have done to fix this problem, is to take ownership of the sub directory "Systemapps" in the Windows Directory. Looking within Systemapps, there are many sub directories with cryptic names, one of them will have "Cortana" in the name. Select that directory, go to close to the end and you will find SearchUI.EXE. I usually re-name it to "SearchUI.OLD". You will receive a warning, that the file may not work, but continue. SearchUI will never call home again. You will receive several errors in your event logs at boot up, but the system seems to run normally (note I've been doing this for 4 years now with no problems). But some Cumulative updates will re-install SearchUI (However not all), as will DISM. You have to be vigillant and go thru the process again. NOTE: I do not supply any warranties with these changes - Your mileage may vary .
    Does this also stop the Start menu search from working? After renaming SearchUI, I can no longer hit the Windows key and start typing a program name to bring up the relevant program. I'm guessing I'll have to rename SearchUI back to what it was and see if I can block it via the Windows built-in Firewall.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 42,634
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #7

    If SearchUI.exe is uploading data, then it must have a source. Why not try minimising any other activity while this is happening, and see which processes are using your disk? I.e. from where is this data coming?

    Please read this carefully- what permissions have you granted Cortana? Lots of hints here.
    Cortana and privacy – Microsoft privacy

    e.g.
    Signing in

    Once you sign in, Cortana can keep track of what interests you, save your nickname or favorite places to the Notebook, give you your notifications from other devices, and share data you’ve saved across Cortana-enabled devices. On Windows, you can decide to give Cortana permission to use other data, including your location and location history, contacts, browsing history, calendar details, and content and communication history from messages, apps, and notifications. After opting in to Cortana on Android and iOS, you can control some of these permissions through the app permissions in the system’s settings.

    In particular see the extensive advice following:
    How to control Cortana’s collection and use of your data

    Do you use the Mail app?
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 248
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #8

    I don't use the Mail app and Cortana is disabled because I got fed up of Cortana interupting my music to say stupid things like "Sorry, I didn't hear that" when I didn't say anything. Every time it happened I had to click an X to get rid of the Cortana screen to continue what I was doing. I really don't mind Microsoft collecting my data; what I mind is that they didn't have the consideration to at least send it while my PC is idle. I've blocked SearchUI in the Windows built-in firewall and I'll see if that has any unintended consequences.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,471
    Win10 Home x64 - 1809
       #9

    Hey THX1138,
    Maybe check out O&O ShutUp 10 to make sure all of Cortana is disabled - OO ShutUp10

    SearchUI.exe using bandwidth I need for gaming-oo-cortana.png
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 42,634
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #10

    I got fed up of Cortana interupting my music to say stupid things like "Sorry, I didn't hear that" when I didn't say anything. Every time it happened I had to click an X to get rid of the Cortana screen to continue what I was doing.
    - you just needed to disable 'Hey Cortana'

    Anyway, clearly the article I found for you is of no interest, so I'll leave you with it. Good luck.
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 21:30.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums