How to Prevent Spotlight from Searching the Entire Computer

Click the Apple menu., Click System Preferences., Click Spotlight., Click the Privacy tab. , Click the + button at the bottom of the empty list. , Navigate to the drive or folder you want to exclude., Click the Choose button., Repeat to exclude...

8 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Click the Apple menu.

    You'll find this in the upper-left corner.
  2. Step 2: Click System Preferences.

    If the main System Preferences menu doesn't appear, click the Show All button at the top of the window.

    The icon is a grid with 12 dots. , This is in the first section. ,,, All of the folder or location's contents, including any subfolders, will be excluded when selected. , The folder or location will be added to the list. , You can also drag and drop drives and folders directly onto the list to quickly add them.
  3. Step 3: Click Spotlight.

  4. Step 4: Click the Privacy tab.

  5. Step 5: Click the + button at the bottom of the empty list.

  6. Step 6: Navigate to the drive or folder you want to exclude.

  7. Step 7: Click the Choose button.

  8. Step 8: Repeat to exclude additional locations.

Detailed Guide

You'll find this in the upper-left corner.

If the main System Preferences menu doesn't appear, click the Show All button at the top of the window.

The icon is a grid with 12 dots. , This is in the first section. ,,, All of the folder or location's contents, including any subfolders, will be excluded when selected. , The folder or location will be added to the list. , You can also drag and drop drives and folders directly onto the list to quickly add them.

About the Author

E

Ethan Cox

Ethan Cox has dedicated 4 years to mastering education and learning. As a content creator, Ethan focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.

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