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Home / Process library / searchindexer.exe
What is searchindexer.exe?
searchindexer.exe is Windows Search indexer. Builds the index that makes Start and File Explorer search fast. It is busy after you add a lot of files.
| Name | searchindexer.exe |
|---|---|
| Full name | Windows Search indexer |
| Publisher | Microsoft Windows |
| Normal location | C:\Windows\System32 |
| Safe to end? | Depends It depends on whether you use Windows Search indexer. |
| If you end it | Search still works, but slowly, and Outlook search can fail. |
How to check it's the real searchindexer.exe
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to Details.
- Right-click searchindexer.exe and choose Open file location. It should open
C:\Windows\System32. - Right-click the file, choose Properties, then Digital Signatures. The signer should be Microsoft Windows.
A file called searchindexer.exe somewhere else, or without that signature, is worth scanning with Microsoft Defender.
What RIVET shows
RIVET's process list shows searchindexer.exe with this explanation, the verdict above, and a signature check, so you can see at a glance whether it is the genuine Windows file. Ending a process can't be undone, and RIVET warns you before it ends anything Windows needs.
Questions
Is searchindexer.exe a virus?
The genuine searchindexer.exe is part of Windows, signed by Microsoft Windows, and runs from C:\Windows\System32. Malware sometimes copies the name, so check the location and signature as shown above.
Can I end searchindexer.exe?
It depends on whether you use Windows Search indexer. Search still works, but slowly, and Outlook search can fail.