Windows 10 network folders indexing

dalchina · 15 Jun 2020

I know, I'm merely suggesting you try that as an experiment. I thought that was clear.

Enhanced search merely adds items to the index as you can see. Ok, there have been some 'under the hood' changes aimed at making search more resource efficient. Nothing to do with networked devices. Then MS has fiddled with the presentation and function of file explorer search from 1909, first almost breaking it, then fixing it.

I just tried a slightly different experiment. I added a file with content "Open sesame" - this time on the PC whose folder is mapped, rather than from the other one.

As viewed from the other one, a search found that file immediately, with file explorer open at My PC.

tony359 · 15 Jun 2020

I know, I'm merely suggesting you try that as an experiment. I thought that was clear.

Absolutely, sorry if I sounded harsh, you are trying to help!

It's just that it seems as if Windows is relying on the other computer's index to search on shared folder. As the NAS is not a Windows computer, it doesn't do that.

Yes, I understand that the Enhanced is only adding locations but you know Microsoft, it may actually do something else!

I will try searching as you suggest on my other PC later on but for now it seems that the NAS is out of the question, which is disappointing.

Thanks!

dalchina · 15 Jun 2020

That's what I understood from that text. Bit of a weird way to do things.

I invite you to try Locate32 and see how that works for you- it indexes pretty quickly.

tony359 · 27 Jun 2020

Hi Dalchina,

I have tried what you mentioned and yes, network indexing works AS LONG as the networked drive is a Windows machine.
I may give Locate32 a go but I have never been a fan of third party indexing software: indexing is a core feature IMHO and I'd rather have a Microsoft software running. I'll think about that. Thanks for your help so far.

dalchina · 28 Jun 2020

It seems as perhaps we have discussed that Windows search of networked items relies on the search index of the networked machine. One thing I've not tried is sharing a non-indexed folder on a PC where search indexing is used. Presumably items in that would not be found. That would be yet another complexity of Windows search - which MS broke in 1909, then gradually fixed, but has still not put back the pale blue highlighting of correct search syntax, which is very useful as that syntax isn't completely documented.

Windows 10 network folders indexing-untitled.png

- here you can see a mistake- should be datecreated. Try that in 1909 or 2004- no blue guidance- at least last time I asked.

I find it unfortunate the MS has what could be a good tool, has a terrible reputation remaining from XP days (turn search indexing off is still common), has the potential for great resolution- so long as you can remember complicated syntax partially supported from the ribbon.

Many members here prefer using 3rd party tools for finding files quickly. No issues about what is or isn't indexed by default; Located can also be configured to search down from several specific locations. Far less to think about- a really great convenience tool which behaves simply and rationally.