Configuring the Index Location Using Group Policy

To change the location of the index using Group Policy, configure the following policy setting for targeted computers:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search \Indexer Data Location

Enable the policy and type a path for the new location of the catalog using up to a maximum of 128 characters.

Configuring Indexing Scopes Using Control Panel

To specify the locations that are indexed manually (that is, to add or remove indexing scopes), perform the following steps:

1. Open Indexing Options in Control Panel and click Modify.
2. Expand the folder tree and select the volumes and directories that you want to have indexed on the computer.

For example, to index the entire system volume, select the check box for this volume (usually C). This adds the system drive to the list of start addresses for the indexer, with the following default exclusions: ProgramData, Data, AppData, Windows, and CSC.

You can override these exclusions by making hidden and system files visible in Windows Explorer and then clicking Show All Locations, expanding the system volume in the folder tree, and selecting each excluded folder. This is not recommended, however, because adding program and operating system files to the index can slow search queries and degrade the search experience for users. In addition, if the FANCI bit is set on a directory, the directory will appear dimmed, and when you point to it, additional info will be displayed on how to index the contents of that directory.