If you’ve ever tried Windows start search or the search bar in the File Explorer, then you will probably know that the Windows uses indexation to index all your files and folders in order to display then in the search results. But the thing with the Windows indexation is that it won’t index encrypted files or folders by default. This will be a problem if you have encrypted files or folders that you want to appear in the search results.
This might create problems especially for those who constantly work on a lot of files, and few of them are encrypted for some security reasons. But, while having a search for the files, even the encrypted files should appear. In such situations, there is a way better method than decrypting those encrypted files which might expose the files to the restricted persons. Just guide Windows to index those encrypted files as well. So, at the same time, your files will stay encrypted, and they will be visible in the search results inside Windows.
So, if you ever want, here is how you can change Windows configurations to index encrypted files in your Windows system.
Enable Indexing of Encrypted Files
You can easily enable the indexing of encrypted files and folders by simply changing the Windows Index settings. To do that, press “Win + X” and select the option “Control Panel” from the list of Power User options.
Once the Control Panel has been opened, find and click on the link “Indexing Options” to open the Windows Index options.
After opening the Indexing Options window, click on the “Advanced” button appearing at the bottom of the window.
Here in the Advanced Options window, select the checkbox “Index Encrypted Files.”
The above action may show you a warning window, simply click on the button “Yes” to continue. Now click on the “Ok” button in the main window to save the changes.
That’s all there is to do.
Also read: Best TrueCrypt Alternatives For Disk Encryption
Enable Indexing of Encrypted Files using Group Policy Editor
You can also enable Indexing of encrypted files using the Group Policy Editor. To do that, press “Win + R,” type “gpedit.msc” and press the enter button to open the Windows Group Policy Editor.
After opening the Windows Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following settings in the left pane of the window.
Computer Configuration > Windows Components > Search
Now, find and double-click the setting “Allow indexing of encrypted files” in the right pane.
The above action will open the relevant options panel. Here, select the radio button “Enabled” and click on the “Ok” button to save the changes.
That’s all there is to do and it is that simple to configure Windows to index encrypted files and folders.
Hopefully, that helps and do comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences about using the above methods to configure Windows to index encrypted files and folders.