How to Turn Search Highlights On or Off in Windows 11
How to Turn Search Highlights On or Off in Windows 11

How to Turn Search Highlights On or Off in Windows 11

Hello, Readers!

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to turn search highlights on or off in Windows 11. In this article, we will delve into the details of this feature and provide step-by-step instructions to help you customize your search experience. Whether you prefer to have search highlights enhanced or disabled, we have got you covered.

Section 1: Understanding Search Highlights

What are Search Highlights?

Search highlights are a feature in Windows 11 that adds additional information to your search results. When you type a query into the search bar, relevant information from various sources such as the web, apps, and files is displayed. These highlights provide context and help you quickly find what you’re looking for.

Benefits of Using Search Highlights

  • Enhanced search results: Search highlights offer more comprehensive and relevant results by presenting additional information.
  • Time-saving: By providing additional context, search highlights help you quickly identify the most relevant results and save time in your search.
  • Improved user experience: The visually appealing presentation of search highlights makes the search process more engaging and user-friendly.

Section 2: Turning Search Highlights On or Off

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Personalization > Search.
  3. Toggle the "Show search highlights" switch to turn the feature on or off.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Caution: The Registry Editor is a powerful tool. Use it with care or seek professional assistance if needed.

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type "regedit" and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSearch.
  4. Right-click on the Search key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Name the value "EnableSearchHighlights" and double-click it.
  6. Set the Value data to 1 to enable and 0 to disable search highlights.

Section 3: Customizing Search Highlights

Changing the Hint Color

You can change the color of the hint displayed beneath the highlighted keywords.

  1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.
  2. Under "Accent color," choose a new color.

Disabling Results from Specific Sources

You can prevent search highlights from displaying results from certain sources.

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions.
  2. Under "Search permissions," toggle off the sources you want to exclude.

Table: Summary of Search Highlights Settings

Setting Description
Show search highlights Turns search highlights on or off
Hint color Changes the color of the hint displayed beneath highlighted keywords
Search permissions Disables results from specific sources

Conclusion

In this article, we have thoroughly explored the topic of "turn search highlights on off windows 11." We hope that the instructions and insights provided here have helped you customize your search experience to your liking. For more technology-related tips and information, don’t forget to check out our other articles. Thank you for reading!

FAQ about Turn Search Highlights On/Off in Windows 11

What are Search Highlights?

Search Highlights are personalized suggestions and information that appear in the Windows Search bar when you type queries.

How can I turn Search Highlights on or off?

To turn on Search Highlights:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
  2. Select Personalization > Start
  3. Turn on the "Show search highlights" option

To turn off Search Highlights:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
  2. Select Personalization > Start
  3. Turn off the "Show search highlights" option

Can I customize the Search Highlights?

Yes, you can personalize the Search Highlights by selecting which apps and content you want to see.

How do I access Search Highlights?

To access Search Highlights, simply type a query in the Windows Search bar.

Why are Search Highlights not showing up?

Make sure the "Show search highlights" option is enabled in Settings. You may also need to restart Windows Search.

Can I use Search Highlights if I’m not signed in to a Microsoft account?

Yes, you can use Search Highlights without signing in. However, you will only see generic suggestions.

How do I clear the Search Highlights history?

To clear the Search Highlights history:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
  2. Select Privacy & security > Activity history
  3. Click "Clear activity"

Can I disable Search Highlights only for specific apps?

Currently, there is no option to disable Search Highlights for specific apps in Windows 11.

How can I get help with Search Highlights?

If you encounter any issues with Search Highlights, you can visit the Microsoft Support website or contact Microsoft support.