You may want to ask the question — what is ActivateWindowsSearch? ActivateWindowsSearch is a scheduled task part of the Windows Search feature that exists on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. It is an essential part of the Search functionality and it is used to search files and programs indexed for fast results.
Should You Disable ActivateWindowsSearch (Windows Search)?
Reasons for Disabling ActivateWindowsSearch
The most popular reason for some people to disable the ActivateWindowsSearch task and the Windows Search feature is to improve system performance. Turning off indexing on your hard-drives is one of the simplest ways to improve the performance of your PC on low-end computer configurations.
However, if your low-end configuration has a slower CPU + any type of traditional HDD, then you should consider disabling Windows Search if you are looking for methods to improve system performance.
There are reports that the Windows search indexer (which relies on the functionality of the ActivateWindowsSearch task) will eventually consume more than 80% of the RAM. In this case, it is actually recommended to disable Windows Search.
Another possible reason for disabling this task is if you use an equivalent third-party program that virtually does the same thing (a tool like Everything).
What Happens If You Disable ActivateWindowsSearch?
Although disabling ActivateWindowsSearch and the entire Windows Search service may bring some improved system performance, it also affects a range of other features that may or may not be important to you:
1. On Windows 7 or earlier, pressing the search shortcut will no longer turn on the search function.
2. Windows version will no longer recognize search-based file types such as search-ms, searchconnector-ms, and osdx.
3. Column headers will only be able to sort items and will no longer stack or group.
4. Enhanced search capability will be missing from Windows Media Center.
5. Internet Explorer will not have enhanced capabilities.
6. Tablet PC Handwriting recognition will not work while the Windows search is disabled.
How to Disable ActivateWindowsSearch?
Then, I will introduce how to disable Windows Search on Windows. Follow the method that is applicable to the Windows OS that you’re currently using.
For Windows 7/8
First, you should make sure that the Windows Search service is running now. You should end it in Task Manager. After that, you can proceed with the next steps.
Step 1: Open the Run dialog box. Then, type appwiz.cpl and click OK to open up the Programs and Features window.
Step 2: Then click Turn Windows features on or off.
Step 3: Locate Windows Search and uncheck the box associated with it, then click OK.
Step 4: Click Yes and wait for the changes to be enforced. Then, restart your computer.
Now, you have disabled ActivateWindowsSearch successfully.
For Windows 10
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R key to open the Run dialog box. Then, type services.msc and click OK to open the Services window.
Step 2: Locate Windows Search and double-click it.
Step 3: Navigate to the General tab and change the Sartup type to Disabled. Then, click Apply to save the changes.
Windows Search is now effectively disabled on Windows 10.
Final Words
From this post, you can know “what is ActivateWindowsSearch” and if you need to disable it. In addition, I provide a feasible method to disable it.
Originally published at https://www.minitool.com on November 29, 2019.
