SearchHost.exe keeps changing names in Task Manager, should I get rid of it?

Question

I've been suspicious for some time of the SearchHost.exe process in my Task Manager (running Windows 11, formerly 10) because it changes names. I noticed this when trying to end the process (which I can only do by doing it 6 times). It doesn't use any/much % of the CPU, so I didn't otherwise think it was malware or a trojan etc., but then I noticed that it changes names. I'll notice something running called GlobalAccounts.exe or others names that are out of the ordinary and when I try to end the process it then comes back as SearchHost.exe. Should I try to get rid of it anyway? Is this normal or known behavior or is it suspicious?

Answer 1

Hi

Search Filter Host is a component of Windows Search Indexer, which is a service that is designed to search and index files on Windows PCs.

Change Indexing Options and see if it is Helpful
Type indexing options in the Search bar and then click Indexing Options to open it.
In the newly pop-out window, click Modify at the bottom to open Indexed Locations.
Click Show all locations, then uncheck huge locations and other file locations that may prompt the search process to spawn again and again.
Click OK to save changes.

Maybe it is possible to prevent SearchHost.exe from running by using 'winget uninstall' if it is started by an app.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/uninstall