If this sounds like your week
When Windows Search gets in the way
consultants search client contracts and SOW filenames that should stay on the workstation. Windows Search may find files but does not explain how local logs, config, and index storage stay under %APPDATA%. encrypted sync folders and backup software already compete for disk time.
Where tooling usually breaks
Why local-first matters
index.db, config.json, and logs stay under %APPDATA%\SearchSentinel instead of a vendor-hosted workspace. Search queries are not uploaded for AI enhancement, analytics, or ad targeting. You buy the app once and keep the search index as a local workstation asset.
Technical proof points
- Local index.db - config.json - Release path redaction - SQLite FTS5 - Local-first storage - No network logger