On Windows 10, “search highlights” is a feature that appears in the Windows Search experience from the Start menu or the search box in the Taskbar. The search highlights feature has been designed to show periodic updates to help you discover more, be connected, and stay productive.
It also shows notable moments, such as holidays, anniversaries, and other educational moments in time both globally and in your region. In addition, the feature offers content in the search home related to today’s moment and daily content like word of the day, Microsoft Rewards, offers trending searches, and more.
On the left pane, you will also find a list of your recently launched apps, files, settings, and websites to resume previous tasks. Furthermore, if you use a work or school account, you will also be able to use Microsoft Search in the organization.
Although search highlights may be useful for many users, it’s possible to disable it through the Taskbar settings if the feature isn’t for you.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to manage the search highlights feature for search on Windows 10.
Disable search highlights on Windows 10
To disable search highlights, use these steps:
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Right-click the Taskbar on Windows 10.
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Select the Search menu and clear the “Show search highlights” option.
Once you complete the steps, the search box will no longer show highlights or recent files in the left pane.
Enable search highlights on Windows 10
To enable Windows 10 search highlights, use these steps:
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Right-click the Taskbar.
- Select the Search menu and choose the “Show search highlights” option.
After you complete the steps, the search box will show periodic updates with content, including fun illustrations, that help you discover more, be connected, and stay productive.
“Search highlights” on Windows 10 is available since build 19044.1618 and higher releases, but the availability will occur in the coming months.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].