File Search in Fluent Search

Fluent Search Search Tags Settings

Fluent Search offers a robust and efficient file search capability, enabling users to quickly locate files and directories on their system. This functionality is powered by an indexing system that supports multiple indexers, including its native indexer, Windows Search, and Everything. Understanding how these indexers work and how to configure them can enhance your search experience.

Indexing Mechanisms

Native File Indexer

Fluent Search includes a built-in file indexer designed for speed and minimal CPU usage. This native indexer scans your files and maintains an up-to-date index, allowing for rapid search results. To utilize the native file indexer:

  1. Install the Indexer Service:
    • Navigate to Settings > Files > File Indexer.
    • Select Fluent Search as your preferred indexer.
    • Follow the prompts to install and start the service.

Note: Administrative privileges may be required to install the service.

Windows Search Indexer

Fluent Search can integrate with the Windows Search indexer, utilizing the existing Windows indexing service. This allows Fluent Search to access the same index used by Windows Search, providing consistent results across both search tools. To configure this:

  1. Enable Windows Search Integration:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > Files > File Indexer.
    • Select Windows Search as the indexer.

  2. Configure Indexed Locations:

    • Open Control Panel > Indexing Options.
    • Modify the indexed locations to include directories you want to search.

Note: Disabling Windows Indexing may affect the functionality of Windows Search and other dependent features.

Everything Indexer

Fluent Search also supports integration with the Everything search engine by Voidtools, known for its rapid indexing and minimal resource usage. To use Everything as your indexer:

  1. Install Everything:

  2. Enable Everything Integration in Fluent Search:

    • Navigate to Settings > Files > File Indexer.
    • Select Everything as the indexer.

Note: Ensure the Everything service is running for Fluent Search to access its index. If Everything client is running as admin, Fluent Search must run as admin as well.

Configuring Indexed and Ignored Paths

Customizing which directories are indexed or ignored can optimize search performance and relevance.

Adding Indexed Paths

  1. Access File Indexer Settings:

    • Go to Settings > Apps > Files > Indexed Paths.

  2. Add New Paths:

    • Click Add Path and select the directories you want to include in the index.

Ignoring Specific Paths

  1. Access Ignored Paths Settings:

    • Navigate to Settings > Apps > Files > Ignored Paths.

  2. Add Paths to Ignore:

    • Click Add Path and choose the directories or files you want to exclude from the index.

Note: Properly configuring ignored paths can prevent unnecessary files from appearing in search results and improve performance.

Troubleshooting Indexer Issues

If you encounter issues with the file indexer service:

  1. Verify Service Installation:

    • Open Services (services.msc).
    • Locate FluentSearch.FileIndexer.
    • Ensure the service is running. If not, start it manually.

  2. Reinstall the Indexer Service:

    • If problems persist, reinstall the service via Settings > Apps > Files > File Indexer.

For further assistance, refer to the Fluent Search GitHub Issues page or join the community on Discord.

By understanding and configuring these indexing options, you can tailor Fluent Search to efficiently locate the files and directories most relevant to your needs.