Sign in with Microsoft
Sign in or create an account.
Hello,
Select a different account.
You have multiple accounts
Choose the account you want to sign in with.

Symptoms

In Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, the Windows Search Service may bloat the Windows.edb file. When this issue occurs, the Windows.edb file grows to a very large size and consumes lots of disk space. In some instances, the file size can be larger than 50 gigabytes (GB).

Resolution

Update information

To resolve this issue, install update rollup 2836988 for Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. For more information about how to obtain this update rollup package, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

2836988 Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 update rollup: May 2013
Note This update is preventative, but not corrective. To reduce the size of a Windows.edb file that is already affected by this issue, you must rebuild the search index after you install this update.

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.

  2. Tap or click Settings.

  3. In the search box, type indexing options.

  4. Tap or click Indexing Options.

  5. Tap or click Advanced.

  6. Tap or click Rebuild on the Indexing Settings tab.

  7. Tap or click OK to confirm.


  1. Change the Windows Search service so that it does not automatically start. To do this, run the following command in cmd.exe:

    Sc config wsearch start=disabled
  2. Run the following command to stop the Windows Search service:

    Net stop wsearch
  3. Run the following command to perform offline compaction of the Windows.edb file:

    esentutl.exe /d %AllUsersProfile%\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows\Windows.edb
  4. Run the following command to change the Windows Search service to delayed start:

    Sc config wsearch start=delayed-auto
  5. Run the following command to start the service:

    Net start wsearch


Status

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

More Information

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Was this information helpful?

What affected your experience?
By pressing submit, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Your IT admin will be able to collect this data. Privacy Statement.

Thank you for your feedback!

×