How-To

How To Disable File Explorer Search History In Windows 11

The upcoming version of Windows 11 is soon about to make its official release, by the end of this year. And most of you would be pleased to know that File Explorer is finally getting a major revamp. Yes, that’s right! Compared to Windows 10, the File Explorer on Windows 11 brings together a whole new platform to interact with your files and folders.

In this blog, we will talk about the changes introduced in File Explorer on Windows 11, and in the later section, we will discuss how to disable File Explorer Search History so that your search history stays with you.

Also read: How To Resolve Windows 10 File Explorer Keeps Opening By Itself

What’s New in File Explorer on Windows 11?

So, are you all set to meet the new File Explorer that comes along with the Windows 11 upgrade? Here are a few new features that will make your journey of using File Explorer much more productive, compared to Windows 10.

An all-new Simplified Toolbar: The toolbar’s design on file explorer has been cosmetically overhauled. It is now much more simplified and includes all the shortcuts of basic tasks in quick access.

Revamped Folder Icons: File Explorer on Windows 11 brings new folder icon designs for a fresh look and feel.

Dark Mode: If you’re a fan of the Dark Mode, here’s a piece of good news. Windows 11 also offers you a choice where you can switch to the dark mode that applies throughout File Explorer as well.

Well, yes, Windows 11 has paid a lot of attention to File Explorer and we are quite excited to use this platform on the upcoming version of Windows.

Also read: Windows 10 File Explorer Not Working? How To Fix

How to Disable File Explorer Search History on Windows 11?

Moving on, isn’t it annoying that your search history of File Explorer can be accessed or viewed by anyone? Yes, we get that! Wondering how to disable File Explorer search history on Windows 11 that allows you to stay more private? You’ve come to the right place!

Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can follow to turn off the search history feature on File Explorer and browse your files and folders without being sneaked upon.

Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Gpedit.msc” in the textbox and hit Enter.

In the local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following folder location:

User Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> File Explorer.

Once you are inside the File Explorer folder, look for a file named “Turn off the display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box” on the right side of the window. Double-tap on this file to open Properties.

In the Properties window, select the “Enabled” option and then hit on Apply to save the recent changes.

Exit all windows, reboot your device and then try accessing File Explorer again on Windows 11. Make a few random search searches in the quick access box to see if the search history is still visible.

That’s it, folks! By just making a few quick changes in the Group Policy Editor, you can disable the search history on Windows 11 as well.

Also read: 9 Best Windows File Explorer Tips and Tricks To Make It More Useful

Conclusion

This wraps up our quick guide on how to disable File Explorer search history on Windows 11. Disabling the search history feature on Windows 11 is not mandatory and depends on your choice. If you share your PC with multiple users, turning off the search history can prove out to be useful in terms of privacy. It can help you in keeping your sensitive file and folders protected from other’s reach.

So, are you looking forward to using the upcoming version of Windows? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments space!

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