What is Searchapp.exe & Should I Remove it?

Your search is important so keep its resource usage at a minimum

4 min. read

Published onAugust 8, 2024

published onAugust 8, 2024

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Everyone uses the Windows Search feature on the taskbar so if you spot the searchapp.exe process, no need for alarm as it is a legitimate system app.

The searchapp.exe process is responsible for searching files, folders, and system data within Windows as well as indexing. How fast and accurate your search results appear is thanks to this process so you should not remove it.

And while it is a legitimate process, cybercriminals are notorious for creating similar processes and bundling them up in software. If you notice any anomalies with this process, such as high CPU spikes, it’s best to check it out and verify it is indeed the legitimate one.

How do I remove the searchapp.exe process?

1. End process from Task Manager

2. Restart the Windows Search service

3. Run the Indexing troubleshooter

4. Rebuild the search index

If the searchapp.exe is consuming too much CPU or causing a system slowdown, use the above steps. However, if you have verified that it is not a legitimate process by checking the digital signature and its location, proceed with the next steps.

6. Uninstall recent Windows update

7. Run a malware scan

8. Perform a System Restore

Other processes that can help make your search queries easier include thefindstr.exewhich is a fast way to search in directories, especially for files that have been moved.

Thesearchindexer.exealso makes sure your search results are always available so if it is competing for system resources, check out our article on how to bring it back in line. Aside from consuming system resources, these utilities like thesearch protocol may stop workingat times but we know just the fix for it.

And if the built-in search is experiencing a myriad of issues, feel free to exploremore search tools. These come with more advanced features so check out our comprehensive list and select one that meets your needs.

Have you come across this process before? Did it cause any problems and if so, which ones? Let us know in the comment section below.

What is Searchapp.exe & Should I Remove it?#

How do I remove the searchapp.exe process?#

1. End process from Task Manager#

2. Restart the Windows Search service#

3. Run the Indexing troubleshooter#

4. Rebuild the search index#

6. Uninstall recent Windows update#

7. Run a malware scan#

8. Perform a System Restore#