Microsoft continues to improve Windows Search in Windows 10. In addition to Quick searches, Timeline, and Top apps, Windows 10 Search console now shows recent searches you performed in the Start Menu. The recent list feature is rolling out server-side to Windows 10 devices running 1809 or higher. Here is what you need to know and how to disable it if you don’t want recent search items to show up when you open the Windows Search.
Recent list in Windows 10 search box
- The aim of the Recent addition is to ensure you can search again easily
- The previous searches include searches for Settings, files, apps, and direct-nav URLs.
- Individual items in the list can be removed by clicking the ‘x’ that appears when you hover over with the mouse
- The recent list won’t show up if you’ve not performed any search in Windows Search
Disable Recent searches in Windows Search box
Don’t want to be tracked by Windows 10, you can disable the Recent feature.
- Click on Start
- Select Settings
- Click on Search > Permissions & History
- Scroll down until you see History, Toggle the setting below “Search history of this device”.
- You can also use the option “clear device search history” to clear your Windows 10 search history.
If your recent items aren’t populated or only a couple of items, then you’ll be suggested with this wording:
“Search below to open files, apps, and more. Recent Items will appear here”
“Search below to open files, apps, and more. Recent Items will appear here”
The improvements and new additions to Windows Search are welcome. On the other hand, there are users who intentionally disable Windows Search to improve Windows 10 performance.
What’s your take on this? Windows Search, needed or unnecessary Let us know in the comments below.
Related articles:
Windows 10 KB4579311 (build 19041.572) available for download [Changelog & offline installer]
Windows 10 alerts when Apps register to run on Startup
Windows 10 gets Skype ‘Meet Now’ button in Taskbar in Insider Builds
Windows 10 20H2 KB4577063 fixes WSL’s “Element not found” Error
