You can search everything using Windows 11's Search tool, including apps, files (on the device and in the cloud), settings, and web-based data. However, it also records the queries you made when using Bing to search the web, as well as the files, folders, programs, services, and settings that you searched.

 

Windows gathers this information both locally and remotely to improve user experience and recommendations. The best approach to preserve your privacy is to delete your search history if you want to keep your recent searches hidden from inquisitive eyes.

 

How to clear Search History on Windows 11?
How to Clear Search History on Windows 11?

 

To clear the search history on Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button (the Windows logo) in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  2. Type "File Explorer" and click on the top result.
  3. Click on the "View" tab on the ribbon at the top of the File Explorer window.
  4. Click on the "Options" button on the right side of the ribbon.
  5. Click on the "View" tab in the Folder Options window that appears.
  6. Scroll down to the "Privacy" section and click on the "Clear" button next to "Clear search history".
  7. A confirmation dialog box will appear, click on "Yes" to confirm the action.

 

Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut "Win + Q" to open the search bar, then click on the "settings" icon at the top left corner of the search bar, then click on the "Clear history" button.

 


Kunal Chowdhury

About the Author

Solution Architect & Former Microsoft MVP

Kunal Chowdhury is an enterprise solution architect and former multi-year Microsoft MVP. He is the author of three technical books: Windows Presentation Foundation Development Cookbook, Mastering Visual Studio 2017, and the Mastering Visual Studio 2019.

He publishes technical articles on .