Learn how to include or exclude encrypted files in the search index by enabling or disabling the Disable ‘Index Encrypted Files’ option in Windows 11.
Quick steps: Press the Start button, search for and open “Indexing Options“. Click “Advanced” and select or uncheck the “Index encrypted files” checkbox to enable or disable indexing encrypted files in Windows 11.
By default, Windows tries to index all files on all selected drives or locations, except those encrypted with the Encrypted File System (EFS). For example, if you choose to index the entirety of your D drive, Windows will index all the files on that drive except the encrypted ones. Windows does this to protect your privacy. While this is great for privacy, there might be situations where you might want to index encrypted files, as you need to access them quickly via Windows Search. In that case, you must enable the “Index Encrypted Files” option in the advanced indexing options. When you do this, Windows will automatically decrypt the files using your account credentials for search indexation.
In this quick and easy guide, let me show you the steps to enable or disable the ‘Index Encrypted Files’ feature in Windows 11 to control indexation of encrypted files in the search index. Let’s get started.
Before You Start
In the context of Windows and its search index, encrypted files mean files encrypted with the Encrypted File System (EFS). So, your password-protected ZIP file or files encrypted in some other way (like with BitLocker or third-party software) are not considered encrypted files, and Windows cannot decrypt or open them automatically.
Enabling indexing of encrypted files will rebuild the entire search index.
Administrator rights are required to change whether Windows indexes encrypted files.
Enable or Disable Indexing of Encrypted Files in Search
First, open the Settings app by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut. Once the Settings app opens, go to the “Privacy & security” > “Search” page.
Here, scroll down and click the “Advanced indexing options” option.
The above action opens the “Indexing Options” window. Here, click the “Advanced” button at the bottom. If you see a UAC prompt, click “Yes” to continue.
Here, configure the option as follows and click “OK“.
- Select the “Index encrypted files” checkbox: Lets Windows index encrypted files.
- Uncheck the “Index encrypted files” checkbox: Prevents Windows from indexing encrypted files.
Note: If you’ve enabled indexing of encrypted files, you will see a confirmation prompt about rebuilding the index, click “OK” to continue.
Click the “Close” button. With that, you’ve configured how Windows Search indexes encrypted files. Write down below any questions or comments you have. I’ll respond as quickly as possible.
Thank you, Vamsi.
