SearchApp.exe – What is it and How to Disable it?

SearchApp.exe is a background process that runs on Windows computers. It is responsible for indexing your computer’s files so you can find them faster when you search.

Although SearchApp.exe is typically not dangerous, some users prefer to disable it because it can use up a lot of system resources.

This guide will answer exactly what SearchApp.exe is, whether it’s safe, and how to disable it if you want.

What is SearchApp.exe?

SearchApp.exe is a background process that runs on your computer as part of the Windows Search service. Its purpose is to index files and folders on your computer, so you can quickly find them using Windows Search.

SearchApp.exe was previously connected to Cortana’s search capabilities in previous Windows 10 versions.

However, with Windows 10 version 2004, SearchApp.exe is part of Windows search functions, so if you delete or remove it, the search function might not work.

Still, Windows will automatically restart that service again when you restart your computer or laptop.

Generally, the SearchApp.exe process runs in the background and doesn’t cause any problems. However, some users have reported that this process uses a lot of CPU or memory resources, which can slow down your computer.

Is SearchApp.exe safe to keep?

While SearchApp.exe is a safe process, there are occasions when malware might exploit its name to spread viruses on your computer.

Here is how to ensure that your SearchApp.exe process is not malware:

1. First, press the Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the following file path:

   C:WindowsSystemAppsMicrosoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy

3. Scroll down and locate SearchApp.exe.

   

4. Right-click SearchApp and select Properties.

   

5. Move to the Digital Signatures tab, then click Details.

   

6. Click the View Certificate button.

   

7. Look at the Issued to and Issued by fields. If they say Microsoft Windows, then the file is safe.

   

How to Disable SearchApp.exe?

Using Task Manager

1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Processes tab, then locate Search in the list.

   

3. Click the arrow next to Search to expand it.

   

4. Right-click Search and select Open file location.

   

5. Snap the opened window on one side of your desktop and Task Manager on the other.

   

6. Next, you need to end the Search task. However, when you do that, Windows will automatically restart it.Therefore, after you end the task you must be as fast as possible to rename the Search folder before Windows recreates it. You can rename it to whatever you want.

   

7. Once you have renamed the folder, SearchApp.exe will stop permanently.

Using Command Prompt

1. Go to the Search bar and type “cmd.” Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

   

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter.

   cd %windir%SystemApps

   

   This command will take you to the system apps folder.

3. Next, type the following command and press Enter:

   taskkill /f /im SearchApp.exe

   

4. Finally, type the following command and press Enter. This will remove the SearchApp.exe.

   move Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy.old

   

5. Close Command Prompt when you finish.