indexing Archives

Tech Optimizer

October 11, 2026

Query Plan Hints in PostgreSQL 19: A New Postgres Feature You Will Probably Never Need

PostgreSQL 19 features an advanced query planner that utilizes table statistics from pg_statistic, gathered during the ANALYZE process, to generate and evaluate potential query plans based on their costs. The planner assesses various configurations, especially in complex joins, to select the most efficient option. Instances of poor planning are treated as bugs and addressed promptly. To improve query performance, users are advised to refresh statistics with ANALYZE, use CREATE STATISTICS for column correlations, modify indexes, and adjust memory settings. In cases where the query cannot be altered, providing planner advice may be necessary, particularly when the planner misestimates the output of PL/pgSQL functions or other custom functions, leading to inefficient query execution.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2026

DBtune autonomous optimization blows PostgreSQL bottlenecks away

DBtune, a startup based in Malmö/Lund, Sweden, was founded in 2020 by Dr. Luigi Nardi as a spin-off from Stanford University and Lund University. The company focuses on enhancing PostgreSQL's capabilities through autonomous database optimization technology and has raised .4 million in a seed round from various investors in July 2023, with support from the Wallenberg Foundation and Vinnova. DBtune's technology utilizes agentic AI for optimizing PostgreSQL databases by tuning server parameters, optimizing indexes, and monitoring autovacuum processes. The release of DBtune version 4.0 incorporates machine learning and AI to dynamically adjust server parameters and suggest optimal indexing strategies. The platform identifies and ranks potential index opportunities based on workload and provides recommendations for new indexes and maintenance of existing ones. A case study with Midwest Tape demonstrated a 10.8x performance improvement in database query runtime after employing DBtune for performance tuning. Benchmarking tests showed a transaction throughput increase of 87% during initial optimization, with a further 17% improvement on an already optimized system. Disk I/O activity was reduced by 43%, and WAL generation decreased by 23%. Dr. Nardi emphasizes the need for AI-driven optimization to manage the complexities of PostgreSQL databases and rising cloud costs, suggesting that significant code adaptations will be necessary for achieving fully autonomous PostgreSQL.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 26H2 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 26H2 update, introducing new features not available in the 25H2 version. Key enhancements include a revamped File Explorer with improved summarization and AI tools, an upgraded Windows Search prioritizing file searches, and updates to the Magnifier and Narrator. The update also expands voice command capabilities on the Copilot+ PC and refreshes the Start menu and Taskbar with new customization options. The support cycle for the 26H2 release extends to 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months for Home and Pro editions, starting September 29, 2026. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, with enablement packages allowing users on newer versions to upgrade easily, while older versions will require a full feature update to transition to 26H2.

Winsage

September 18, 2026

How to measure and shrink the Windows search index

The initial storage cost of the search index on a fresh installation of Windows 11 is minimal, only a few megabytes. When a sizable work folder is added, the index expands, but it does not revert to its original size after the folder is removed. The search index is stored in Windows.db for Windows 11 and Windows.edb for Windows 10. Windows 11 has two indexing modes: Classic (default) and Enhanced, with Classic indexing Documents, Pictures, Music folders, and the Desktop, while Enhanced scans the entire PC. The index includes file names and content, allowing keyword searches. Users can measure their index items through Settings without special permissions, while file size requires administrative access via PowerShell. An index under 30,000 items is acceptable for average users, while performance issues may arise beyond 400,000 items, with a technical ceiling of one million items. In an experiment, the index grew from 462 items and 6.71 MB to 3,466 items and 18.66 MB after adding 3,000 text files, but remained at 16.81 MB after deleting those files. To reclaim disk space, users can exclude specific folders from indexing and rebuild the index, which can significantly reduce its size while retaining the same number of items.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Windows Search’s default indexing mode could be writing gigabytes to your SSD every day for a feature almost nobody uses

The search index on Windows 11 can contribute to storage bloat, with reported sizes varying significantly among users. The search index database, named Windows.db, is crucial for delivering quick search results and can grow dramatically, with some users experiencing sizes exceeding 200GB. A PowerShell script can be used to check the size of the Windows.db file. If the file size is unusually large, users can rebuild the search index through the Indexing Options in the Control Panel. Windows 11 has two indexing modes: Classic and Enhanced, which affect the size and number of indexed items. Classic mode indexes specific folders, while Enhanced mode indexes the entire PC. Excluding certain directories can help manage index size. Performance issues may arise on PCs with over 400,000 indexed items.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows Search still can’t find half my files, because Microsoft fixed the wrong part

Windows 11's native Search feature has been improved with a new indexing system that automatically indexes frequently accessed folders. The latest build, 26100.9267, allows search results to appear after two keystrokes and is more forgiving of typographical errors. Users can choose between web or store suggestions. However, issues persist, such as files remaining invisible in indexed folders. Users have two indexing options: Classic mode, which covers limited locations, and Enhanced mode, which indexes all partitions but may affect battery life and CPU usage. Many users prefer third-party alternatives like Everything, which indexes files directly from the NTFS Master File Table without requiring mode selection. Despite improvements, the overall search experience in Windows remains unsatisfactory.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

The Windows 11 Microsoft shipped in 2021 and the Windows 11 we have in 2026 are worlds apart — this is the full breakdown of what changed

Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 in October 2021, featuring a centered Start menu, revamped Taskbar, and rounded corners, along with productivity enhancements like Snap Layouts and a redesigned Microsoft Store. The initial release faced criticism for lacking familiar features from Windows 10, such as tabbed File Explorer and extensive Taskbar customization. Over the years, Microsoft has worked to restore many of these features and improve user experience. The Start menu has evolved from a basic design with limited customization options to a more flexible interface with size options and better organization of content. The Taskbar has seen the restoration of drag-and-drop functionality, app labels, and repositioning options. File Explorer now includes tabs, a Gallery feature, and improved cloud integration. The Settings app has become more consistent and capable, reducing reliance on the Control Panel. Productivity features like Search and Snap Layouts have improved significantly, with AI becoming a central aspect of the operating system. Performance has also enhanced, addressing initial sluggishness. Security and accessibility features have evolved, with stronger protections and expanded interaction methods. The setup experience has shifted to emphasize connectivity and Microsoft accounts, making local account creation more challenging. Despite these improvements, some legacy components and issues remain.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Windows 11 is dangerously close to letting you move the taskbar

Windows 11 users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or either side of the screen in the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, with a broader rollout expected with the September Patch Tuesday update. Additional enhancements include a more customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and a faster File Explorer. Users can choose between small or large Start menu sizes, recent items are highlighted, and search functionality has been refined for better clarity. File Explorer now launches more quickly and supports touch scrolling. Updated progress indicators and enhanced security features for administrators are also included in the updates.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

After years of requests, Windows 11 is dangerously close to bringing back full taskbar freedom — top, left, right, or bottom

Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices. Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include: - Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option. - Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page. - Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders. - Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support. - General design updates with modernized progress indicators. - New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window. - Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks. - Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops. - Updates for display settings and brightness reliability. - Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior. - Network improvements for VPN-related issues. - Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME. - Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange. - Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Dynamic File Sizes in File Explorer, Low Latency Profile for Apps, and More

Microsoft's August update, KB5121003, includes several enhancements: - The File Explorer now displays file sizes in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB) dynamically, simplifying file management. - The Low Latency Profile is expanded to more applications, improving launch speeds for Microsoft apps like Edge and Outlook by up to 40%, and other system components by up to 70%. - Windows Search has been improved to better handle typos and incomplete queries, prioritizing relevant results and indexing files across the operating system. - The Start Menu now more effectively respects user preferences, ensuring consistent settings.