How do I reinstall the Search/Indexing Feature on Server 2012 R2?

Question

We have trouble with the SearchIndexer on Windows 2012 R2. Microsoft suggests do uninstall the feature and reinstall it.

Where can I do that in Windows Server 2012? Can't find the feature in the feature list.

Solution 1

Open Server Manager, click on Add roles and features click next until you get to Features and then uncheck Windows Search Service and complete the wizard.

You might be best of sharing the issue you are having as well, is it a performance issue due to this service?

Solution 2

KV: a big thank you for that idea. It didn't work quite the same for me, but led to solution.

My File Explorer (on a 2012R2) had the 'green bar death.' The Indexing Option tool was frozen with a message 'waiting to receive indexing status.' In that frozen state there did not appear to be a way to the'index rebuilding,'

Then I found your post. Went into Services to stop Windows Search as you suggested. At this point something strange happened. There was a message that 'windows search can not be stopped.' However, at the same time the Indexing Option tool was awoken out of slumber and I was able to do an 'index rebuild.'

And now file explorer works very well.

Comments

[0x0000001E]

Also if you are not using this service or don't want to index you can disable the service instead WSearch.

[marsh-wiggle]

It's de grayed and can't be unchecked (tested with started and stopped service)

[0x0000001E]

Are you a local admin? You can also try the PowerShell command, but make sure you are running the shell as an administrator Uninstall-WindowsFeature Search-Service. This also requires a restart.

[FooBee]

The question was how to fix, not how to disable it. And please stop shouting (writing all caps).