How to Enable or Disable Search Highlights in Windows 11
Search Highlights in Windows 11 displays engaging content like fun facts, trending topics, and upcoming holidays directly within your taskbar search box.
You can easily control whether this feature appears or not. This tutorial focuses on enabling or disabling Search Highlights, giving you full command over your search bar experience.
Search Highlights in Windows 11 can display timely information, such as details about World Oceans Day or interesting historical facts. Users control whether this visual pop-up appears within the Windows 11 search interface.
Open Settings, then go to Privacy & security, and click Search. Toggle the “Show search highlights” option to On or Off. This will enable or disable Search Highlights for your account.
What Are Search Highlights?
Windows 11 Search Highlights show fun images and interesting facts in your Windows search bar, making it easier to find new things without changing your usual search habits. You can still type to find apps, files, or settings exactly as you always do.
Even with Search Highlights on, you can still type to find your apps, files, or settings. Nothing changes about how you search normally.
When using a work or school account in Windows 11, Search Highlights can display useful organization information. This information includes files and contacts found through Microsoft Search, which helps users locate resources quickly.
Turn Search Highlights On or Off for Yourself (Using Settings)
You can easily turn Windows 11 Search Highlights on or off just for your account using the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Privacy & security, and click on Search to find the option to show or hide search highlights.
- Press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click Privacy & security on the left side.
- On the right, click Search. (Click here to open Search settings directly)
- Find the option called Show search highlights.
- Toggle the switch to On to enable Search Highlights, or Off to disable it .
- Close Settings when you’re done.
Turn Search Highlights On or Off for Everyone (Using Group Policy)
Admins can control Windows 11 Search Highlights for all users on a computer with the Group Policy Editor. To do this, press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter, then navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press Windows key + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. - In the left panel, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search
- In the right panel, double-click Allow search highlights.
- Choose one of these options:
- Not Configured – Use default settings.
- Enabled – Turn Search Highlights on for all users.
- Disabled – Turn Search Highlights off for all users.
- Click OK to save your choice.
- Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
What It Looks Like
Here are some pictures showing Search Highlights in action:
Summary
Windows 11 Search Highlights add colorful pictures and useful facts to your search bar, and you can control them through Settings or Group Policy.More Resources
For more information on Windows 11 Search Highlights, check out the Microsoft Community Hub for announcements and discussions. Microsoft Support offers guides on searching effectively across your PC. IT administrators can find technical details in Microsoft Docs regarding search policies.
Search for anything, anywhere – Microsoft Support
Search Policy CSP – Microsoft Docs (for IT admins)
Windows 11 Search Highlights, a feature displaying trending searches and recent activities, can now be turned on or off. Users can control Search Highlights by following the steps outlined in this guide. This control allows for a more personalized search experience.
How do I enable search highlights in 🪟 Windows 11?
To manage search highlights with Group Policy on either Windows 10 or Windows 11, locate: Edit group policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Allow search highlights.
How to get search highlights?
Click the Start ⊞ button and select Settings ⚙. On the left sidebar find and go into Privacy & security. Click on Search permissions. Toggle Show search highlights to enable or disable search highlights.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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