The quick search feature on Windows can be really annoying when it shows irrelevant search results. A lot of users complained and asked to remove that item throughout recent years.
Since most Windows users find quick searches helpful and there’s a bing search button, Microsoft most likely won’t remove the section.
So, whoever finds the quick search feature unnecessary, definitely needs to try an alternative approach to remove that.
That’s what this article is about― how you can remove Windows 11’s quick search option.
Read till the end to find out what search highlight is and how to disable it on Windows 10/11.
Follow our guide on how to Disable Accidental Drag and Drop in Windows 11
The Best Way to Disable Quick searches in Windows 11
Turning off search highlights in Windows settings is the most helpful method to disable quick searches. Also, you can modify the registry editor to remove the quick search feature from Windows 11. Check out the subsequent section to do that.
Basically, Microsoft introduced this search feature for a better user experience. But the bloatware features became truly irritating with unnecessary news updates and weather updates.
I mean, there are other devices to check weather and news update, right? To get rid of the search features from your Windows 11 PC, try the upcoming solutions.
Here are the methods to remove Windows 11 quick searches feature:
1. Disable Windows 11 Quick Search from Settings
You can turn off the quick search feature from Windows 11 settings menu. That’s the most convenient way, in my opinion.
You may also like to read: Disable Windows 11 Window Drop Shadow
Here are the steps to turn off the quick search feature from Windows settings:
- Press Windows + I to launch Windows settings.
- Select Privacy & Security from the left pane.
- Scroll down and select search permissions.
- Locate More settings in that menu.
- Toggle off Show search highlights in that window.
Restart your computer after changing the settings. Most probably, your quick searches feature will be turned off after this.
Try the following solution if the Windows 11 search highlights feature isn’t turned off.
2. Modify Registry Editor to Disable Search Highlights
Tweaking the registry editor is the best option when you want to change something significant on your Windows. Since the quick search button is visible on Windows 11, removing it with registry editor changes is the safest way.
Here are the steps to modify registry editor to turn off quick search on Windows 11:
- Open Windows Run prompt by pressing Windows + R button.
- Type in Regedit in the prompt and hit Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > Explorer.
- Right-click on anywhere in the editor and select new.
- Select DOWRD (32-bit) value.
- Name the new value as DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
- Double-click on the value once created.
- Change the value data from 0 to 1.
Restart your computer to apply the changes. After the reboot, you’ll find that Windows 11 quick searches option is no longer available. This process also applies to Windows 10.
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Note: If your current Windows version is not updated, you might not find the pathway in the registry editor. Update Windows to the latest or try the following section.
If you’re using an outdated Windows 11, try the following steps to disable quick searches.
- Open the registry editor on your computer.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Search.
- Locate SearchboxTaskberMode in the right pane.
- Double-click on that and set the value to 1.
- Click Ok to save the value.
Restart your computer and check whether the quick search is turned off or not.
Can you Disable Windows 11 Search Highlights Feature?
You can turn off Windows 11 search highlights through the Windows registry editor. That will deactivate the taskbar search box and search home.
Also, you can disable the bing search bar from Windows 10/11 through the group policy editor. Follow the forthcoming passage to do that.
Here are the steps to disable Windows 11/10 search highlights via the group policy editor:
- Search for edit group policy in the Windows search box.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Search.
- Locate Allow search highlights and double-click on that.
- Select disable and click Apply > Ok.
Restart your computer to apply the changes. Check out the next section to turn off the bing search bar on Windows 10/11.
You may also like to read: Enable or Disable Startup Programs in Windows 11
Here’s the procedure to turn off the bing search bar on Windows 11/10:
- Press Windows + I to launch Windows settings.
- Navigate to Privacy and security > Search permissions.
- Move down and locate more settings.
- Turn off the search highlights from there.
You’re good to go. No more annoying search results won’t appear on your taskbar.
Now, if you have any other queries regarding the matter, try the FAQ section. I’m sure you’ll find something necessary there.
Related content you should read: Disable Rounded Corners in Windows 11
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of quick search in Windows 10?
Go to the Registry editor of Windows 10/11 > navigate to local machine/SOFTWARE/Policies/Microsoft/Windows/Explorer > Create a new DOWRD 32-bit value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions > set the value to 1.
How do I manage quick access in Windows 11?
Press Windows + E to open the file explorer > go to the folder you want to set as quick access > Right-click > pin to quick access.
How do I turn off quick access?
Launch file explorer > go to view ribbon > Folder options > Uncheck Show recently used files in Quick Access > Reboot computer.
How do I stop quick access from appearing?
Open File Explorer in Windows 10 > File tab > Change folder and search options > Uncheck Show recently used files in Quick access > Uncheck Show frequently used folders in Quick access.
Conclusion
Usually, the Quick search feature in Windows 11/10 is helpful for basic users. The problem happens when the annoying recent search result, weather updates, and news updates appear on the search menu.
But after using the solutions I’ve enlisted here, you won’t have to face the search box anymore. Share this article with your friends if you find this helpful. Till the next tweaking guide, peace!
