File Explorer is capable of storing your search history each time you utilize it to look for the files you need. However, for various reasons, you might wish to prevent File Explorer from displaying your search history. In this article, MiniTool Software will demonstrate how to disable the search history in File Explorer on Windows 11 using the Group Policy Editor.

Can File Explorer Search History Be Disabled on Windows 11?

Windows 11 is set to launch on October 5, 2021. This new operating system includes numerous new features such as a new user interface, updated File Explorer, revamped Start menu, and taskbar. Naturally, most features present in Windows 10 are retained in Windows 11.

For instance, if you're unsure where your files are stored, you can use the built-in search function in File Explorer to locate them by their names. After performing a search, File Explorer will retain your search history. The next time you click the search bar in File Explorer, you'll notice all the previous search terms you've used.

This feature can be beneficial if you wish to search for the same content again. Nevertheless, you might find it unnecessary. To safeguard your privacy, you may want to clear or disable the search history in File Explorer on Windows 11.

Is this feasible? Absolutely. Windows provides you with the option to enable or disable search history in File Explorer. You can accomplish this through the Local Group Policy Editor, a Windows snap-in tool. In the subsequent section, you'll find the step-by-step guide. You can also apply the same method to disable the search history in File Explorer on your Windows 10 machine.

How to Disable File Explorer Search History on Windows 11/10?

Using this approach, you can not only turn off the search history in File Explorer but also remove the existing search history on Windows 11/10.

1. Press Win R to open Run.

2. Type gpedit.msc into Run and press Enter to open Local Group Policy Editor.

3. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.

4. Locate Turn off the display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box from the right-hand list and double-click it to open it.

5. On the pop-up window, Not Configured is selected by default. You need to select Enabled.

6. Click Apply.

7. Click OK.

After completing these steps, you can open File Explorer and click the search bar to check if your search history is still visible. If File Explorer was already open when you made the changes in the Local Group Policy Editor, the updated setting won't take effect in the currently open File Explorer. You need to close it and reopen it.

Conclusion

Disabling the search history in File Explorer on Windows 11 is relatively straightforward. Simply follow the method outlined in this post to achieve it. If you encounter any other related issues, feel free to leave a comment below.

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