Where Does Everything Store Its Database and Settings?
Everything keeps its filename index in a local database plus INI and history CSVs split across two AppData folders.
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Everything splits state by volatility. The big index database lives in Local AppData and rebuilds from the filesystem in seconds. Settings, bookmarks, filters, and histories live in Roaming AppData as small portable files.
The database only touches disk on exit, staying memory resident while running. That detail matters for backups and for shutdown crashes alike: a killed process loses nothing except the last session's freshness. Point the database path elsewhere in options when SSD space runs short.
Where Everything stores this, by platform
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Everything\Everything.db
The index database lives here and rebuilds from disk when missing. Override the path under Tools, Options, Indexes when space runs short.
%APPDATA%\Everything\Everything.ini
Everything.ini plus bookmarks, filters, and history CSVs live here. Portable builds keep the same files beside the exe instead.
Frequently asked questions
What do I back up before reinstalling Windows?
Copy Everything.ini plus the CSVs for bookmarks, filters, and histories. The database rebuilds itself in seconds from the NTFS journal, so it travels worst and matters least. Exclude lists ride in the INI.
How do I run it portably?
Disable the store in AppData option and Everything runs fully portable from its folder. Database, INI, and histories all sit beside the exe, which suits USB toolkits that must leave no trace.
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