Why is spotlight indexing all the time

For this issue, you need to check what is indexed by Spotlight and if the process keep stuck continuously on that folder, try to delete that folder or the file inside to another folder. Make sure the problematic folder is not related to OS X system. If the folder related to certain application, you can re-install that application. Spotlight will keep stuck in that folder even though that folder is included to the folder which will not be indexed by Spotlight. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible.

Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. First, try clearing your Spotlight index manually, to force a rebuild from scratch and ensure no problems exist with it that could be spurring regular attempts to update it.

This can be done in two ways:. Open the Spotlight system preferences and go to the Privacy tab. Then drag each of your locally-mounted filesystems internal and external to this list, followed by immediately removing them from the list.

This will delete the index on the drives, and thereby force the system to recreate them when the volumes are removed. Use the aforementioned methods to check its status. If that doesn't solve your problem, there is likely some data on your drive that is causing Spotlight to choke while it's indexing. In Filter field upper-right corner , type Spotlight and look for any entries that might indicate faulty data.

Also try the search term mds. When any suspect entries turn up, seek them our on your volume s and temporarily remove them from Spotlight indexing via this process:. One of the most common culprits for choking Spotlight is Entourage.

Launch Entourage and access Preferences under the "Entourage" menu. Click Spotlight, then uncheck the box next to "Include Entourage items in Spotlight search results. Spotlight and quick view are two of my favorite things in OS X.

There are only a handful of files quickview doesn't know how to open and I'm never faced with waiting for pages or openoffice. On my windows boxes, I always shut off indexing because it is useless. I would never consider shutting off Spotlight indexing because it saves me time every time I use it. It shouldn't affect anything, at least in the short term, as that's all I've had it disabled for. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. What is spotlight indexing and should I turn it off? Ask Question. Asked 4 years, 10 months ago. Active 1 year, 3 months ago. Viewed 27k times. Improve this question.