> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigate-and-respond-to-cases/build-xql-queries/how-to-build-xql-queries/xql-query-best-practices.md).

# XQL Query best practices

Cortex XDR includes built-in mechanisms for mitigating long-running queries, such as default limits for the maximum number of allowed issues. The following suggestions can help you to streamline your queries:

* Add a smaller limit by using a `limit` stage.

  The default results for any query is a maximum of 1,000,000 results, when no limit is explicitly stated in the query. Queries based on XQL query entities are limited to 10,000 results. Adding a smaller limit can greatly reduce the response time.

  ```programlisting
  datamodel dataset = microsoft_windows_raw 
  | fields *host* 
  | limit 100
  ```
* Use a small **Timeframe**. Select **Relative time** and define **Last 30 Minutes** where possible.
* Use filters that exclude data, along with other applicable filters.
* Select only the fields required in the results.


---

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