The Search highlights feature in the Search experience of Windows 11 provides valuable and up-to-date information, promoting learning, fostering connections, and enhancing productivity. The right-side widget presents a diverse range of useful content, including local and international holidays, anniversaries, and educational events. Moreover, users can stay updated with daily information such as the Word of the Day, Microsoft Rewards, and popular keyword trends.
In the Windows 11 Search interface, users can conveniently resume their tasks by accessing a comprehensive list of recently used applications, files, settings, and URLs located on the left side. Additionally, users with a Microsoft account linked to their institution can leverage Microsoft Search to enhance their organizational search experience.
What if you don’t want the option present on your computer screen? Windows 11 allows disabling the Search highlights feature for those who prefer a more traditional search experience. Once deactivated, the area will present recommendations from the search function along with the most frequently used programs, ensuring a personalized and efficient search interface.
Here are detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you in managing the Search highlights feature in Search on Windows 11.
Two Methods to disable Search Highlight feature on Windows 11 PC, Laptop, Surface PRO?
There are multiple ways to disable the Search highlights feature on PC and laptops running Windows 11. The two methods below allow you to turn off this feature and customize your search experience.
Method 1: Disabling Search Highlight feature on PC Running Windows 11?
To turn off the Search highlights feature on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Step.1 Click the Windows button and click the “Settings” option.
Step.2 Search for the “Privacy and Security” option and click on it.
Step.3 To access the Search permissions setting, navigate to the “Search permissions” section which is under “Windows permissions” option.
Step.4 In the “More settings” section, locate the toggle switch labeled “Show Search highlights” and switch it off to disable the feature.
Once you have completed the steps, the highlighted or recently used files in the left pane of the Search box will no longer be displayed.
Method 2: Disabling Search Highlights feature from the Registry Editor?
If you want to disable the search highlight feature in a different way then you must try these steps:
Step.1 Enter “Registry Editor ” in the search box. Now select “Registry Editor” from search result in your PC or laptop and click on the option “Run as administrator.”
Step.2 Go to the specified path and double-click on the “IsDynamicSearchBoxEnabled” dword value.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings
Step.3 To disable search highlights, modify the value of “IsDynamicSearchBoxEnabled” to 0 and click “OK.”
Enabling Search highlights feature on Windows 11?
If you wish to activate the Search highlights feature, follow these steps:
Step.1 Click the Windows button and click the “Settings” option.
Step.2 Search for the “Privacy and Security” option and click on it.
Step.3 To change the Search permissions, click the “Search permissions” option under the “Windows permissions” option.
Step.4 Locate the “Show Search highlights” toggle switch in the “More settings” area and set it to the on position to activate the feature again.
Once you have completed the steps, the Search box will display periodic updates featuring content designed to help you explore, connect, and enhance your productivity. These updates may include entertaining illustrations and other engaging elements.
Enabling Search highlights feature on Windows 11 using Registry Editor?
Step.1 Enter “Registry Editor” in the search box. From the search results, select “Registry Editor” and choose the option “Run as administrator.”
Step.2 Go to the specified path and double-click on the “IsDynamicSearchBoxEnabled” dword value.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings
Step.3 To disable search highlights, modify the value of “IsDynamicSearchBoxEnabled” from 0 to 1 and click “OK.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, disabling the Search highlights feature on Windows 11 allows users to customize their search experience. Following simple steps, users can turn off the display of highlighted or recently used files in the Search box. This allows for a more traditional search interface while still maintaining the functionality of the search feature. Whether for personal preference or specific workflow requirements, disabling search highlights offers greater control over the Search experience on Windows 11.
