Welcome to our article on how to disable Windows search! If you’re someone who enjoys customization and loves to tweak their computer settings, disabling Windows search might be one of the things you’d want to do. Windows search, while it helps you search for files and apps easily, can also slow down your computer’s performance and consume system resources.
In this article, we will provide you with the steps on how to disable Windows search, its explanation, and some tips and tricks to improve the overall performance of your computer.
Steps
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
To disable Windows search, you first need to open the Registry Editor. You can do this by typing “regedit” on the Start menu and pressing the Enter key. If you’re prompted to provide administrator permission to continue, click Yes.
Step 2: Locate the Windows Search key in Registry Editor
Once you have opened the Registry Editor, you need to locate the Windows Search key. You can find this by following the path, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search. If you can’t find the Windows Search key, you need to create it. For creating it, you need to right-click on the Windows folder, click on “New” and then click on “Key”. After giving the key name as “Windows Search”, click on “Enter”.
Step 3: Create the “Allow Cortana” DWORD Value
Right-click on the right side of the Registry Editor window and click “New” and then click on “DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Rename the value “AllowCortana” and set its value data to “0”. This will turn Cortana off, which is necessary to disable Windows search.
Step 4: Create a “Search” DWORD value
Right-click on the right side of the Registry Editor window and click “New” and then click on “DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Rename the value “AllowSearchToCommunicateWithInternet” and set its value data to “0”.
Step 5: Disable the “Search” service
You need to disable the Search service to make sure that the Windows search won’t keep running in the background. To do this, type “services.msc” on the Start menu and press Enter. Locate the “Windows Search” service, right-click on it, and then click on “Properties”. Change the startup type to “Disabled” and click on “Stop” to stop the service.
Step 6: Disable Indexing on Specific Drives
You may want to disable indexing on specific drives. To do this, you need to go to the drive you want to disable indexing on, right-click on it, and then click on “Properties”. Under the “General” tab, uncheck the box that says “Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties”. Click on “Apply” and then click on “OK”.
Step 7: Disable Search on File Explorer
You may also want to disable search on File Explorer. To do this, right-click on the Start menu and click on “Run”. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter. Follow the path, “Local Computer Policy \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ Search”. Double-click on “Allow Cortana” and choose “Enabled” and then click on “Apply” and then “OK”.
Step 8: Disable Bing Search Results
It’s also possible to disable Bing Search results on Windows. To do this, you need to go to the Start menu and click on “Settings”. Click on “Privacy” and then click on “Speech, inking, & typing”. Under the “Online speech recognition” section, turn off the “Get to know me” toggle switch.
Step 9: Disable Quick Access on File Explorer
Quick Access on File Explorer can also affect the performance of your computer. To disable it, right-click on the Start menu and click on “Run”. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter. Follow the path, “User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ File Explorer”. Double-click on “Turn off Quick Access Toolbar” and choose “Enabled” and then click on “Apply” and then “OK”.
Step 10: Turn off Tips and Tricks on Windows
Finally, turning off the Tips and Tricks on Windows is another way to free up some resources on your computer. To do this, go to the Start menu and click on “Settings”. Click on “System” and then click on “Notifications & actions”. Turn off the “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows” toggle switch.
Step 11: Disable Windows Security Notifications
If you’re constantly annoyed by Windows Security Notifications, you can disable them to save some resources on your computer. To do this, go to the Start menu and click on “Settings”. Click on “Update & Security” and then click on “Windows Security”. Click on “Virus & threat protection” and then click on “Manage settings”. Turn off the “Notifications” toggle switch.
Step 12: Restart Your Computer
After completing all the steps, it’s important to restart your computer to effectively disable Windows search.
Explanation
Disabling Windows search can significantly improve the performance of your computer. By following the above-mentioned steps, you can disable Windows search and also make some other changes to ensure that your computer runs smoothly.
By disabling Cortana, the Windows search won’t be able to operate. The “AllowSearchToCommunicateWithInternet” DWORD value will prevent Windows search from communicating with the internet, which is necessary to disable the search functionality.
Disabling the Windows Search service will ensure that Windows search isn’t running in the background, taking up system resources. Disabling indexing on specific drives will prevent Windows search from indexing files on those drives.
Disabling Quick Access on File Explorer and turning off the tips and tricks feature on Windows can also free up system resources. Finally, disabling Windows Security Notifications will prevent unnecessary notifications, which can also slow down your computer.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use third-party search tools
If you need to search for files and apps on your computer, consider using third-party search tools. These tools are often faster and more efficient than Windows search.
2. Use an SSD
Using a solid-state drive (SSD) can improve the overall performance of your computer, including the search functionality.
3. Use a registry cleaner
Regularly cleaning the registry can help improve your computer’s performance by removing unnecessary entries and fixing errors.
4. Keep Windows updated
Updating Windows can fix bugs and security issues, which can also improve the performance of your computer.
5. Disable unnecessary startup programs
Disabling unnecessary startup programs can free up system resources and improve the overall performance of your computer.
6. Clean up your hard drive
Keeping your hard drive clutter-free can improve the speed and performance of your computer.
7. Use a high-performance power plan
Using a high-performance power plan can improve the performance of your computer by allowing it to use more power.
8. Upgrade your hardware
Upgrading your hardware, such as your RAM or CPU, can significantly improve the performance of your computer.
9. Use an antivirus program
Using an antivirus program can help protect your computer from viruses and malware, which can slow down your computer.
10. Disable unnecessary features
Disabling unnecessary features, such as animation and visual effects, can improve the overall performance of your computer.
In conclusion, disabling Windows search is a great way to improve the performance of your computer. By following the above-mentioned steps and implementing some of the tips and tricks, you can ensure that your computer runs smoothly and efficiently.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Disabling Windows Search
Advantages
1. Faster computer performance – Disabling Windows Search can improve your computer’s performance by reducing the amount of disk space it uses to index files.
2. More disk space – If you have a small hard drive, disabling Windows Search can free up a significant amount of space.
3. Privacy – Windows Search indexes your files and folders, which could potentially be a privacy concern if you share your computer with others. Disabling it can prevent this indexing.
4. Fewer distractions – Windows Search can sometimes display irrelevant results, causing users to waste time sifting through multiple search results. Disabling it can reduce these distractions.
5. Preserves battery life – If you use a laptop, disabling Windows Search can help conserve your battery’s power, allowing you to use your computer for longer periods.
6. Simplifies the search feature – If you prefer to use a third-party search tool to find files, disabling Windows Search can streamline your search process.
7. Fewer update interruptions – Windows Search may become disabled when updating Windows, causing potential interruptions. By disabling it, you can avoid this problem.
8. Fewer errors – In some cases, Windows Search may encounter errors that can impact your computer’s performance. Disabling it can prevent these errors from occurring.
9. Eases network traffic – If multiple computers on a network use Windows Search simultaneously, it could cause significant network traffic. Disabling it can help ease this burden.
10. Safer operation – Disabling Windows Search can reduce the risk of malware infiltrating your system through the search feature.
Disadvantages
1. Limited search capabilities – Disabling Windows Search means you lose the ability to search for files and folders from Windows Explorer.
2. Unable to search system directories – Certain system directories, such as the Windows Registry, cannot be searched without Windows Search enabled.
3. Less convenient – Disabling Windows Search means using a third-party search tool or navigating through folders to find specific files and folders.
4. No real-time indexing – Without Windows Search, any changes or additions to files and folders will not be immediately searchable.
5. No searching of file contents – Windows Search indexes the contents of files, including text inside documents, which a third-party search tool may not be able to do.
6. Loss of Start menu search – Disabling Windows Search means losing the ability to search the Start menu for programs and settings.
7. Less efficient on large drives – If you have a large hard drive, disabling Windows Search may make it difficult to find files and folders quickly.
8. Difficult to spot file duplicates – Without Windows Search, it may be harder to find and delete duplicate files.
9. No preview pane – Windows Search provides a preview pane, allowing users to see a file’s contents without opening it. Disabling it means losing this useful feature.
10. No offline files search – Windows Search allows users to search for offline files. Without it, searching for these files becomes more challenging.
FAQ – How to Disable Windows Search?
1. What is Windows Search?
Windows Search is a service that allows you to search for files, folders, and other items on your computer. It provides faster and more accurate search results, but it can consume resources and slow down your computer.
2. Why would I want to disable Windows Search?
If you have a slow computer or if you prefer to use a third-party search tool, you may want to disable Windows Search. Disabling Windows Search can also free up system resources and reduce CPU usage.
3. How do I disable Windows Search?
To disable Windows Search in Windows 10, you can go to “Services” in the Control Panel, find the “Windows Search” option, right-click it, and select “Properties”. Then, select “Disabled” from the “Startup type” drop-down menu, and click “OK”.
4. Can I disable Windows Search temporarily?
Yes, you can temporarily disable Windows Search by stopping the Windows Search service. To do this, open the Services app, find “Windows Search” on the list, and click on “Stop”. However, the service may start again after a system restart.
5. Will disabling Windows Search impact my computer’s performance?
Disabling Windows Search can have a positive impact on your computer’s performance, especially if you have a slow or older computer. However, if you rely heavily on the search feature, you may notice slower search results or the inability to find certain files or folders.
6. Will disabling Windows Search remove it from my system?
Disabling Windows Search will only prevent it from running. The service will still be installed on your computer, and you can enable it again whenever you want.
7. Can I disable Windows Search on Windows 7?
Yes, you can disable Windows Search on Windows 7 by going to the Control Panel, selecting “Programs and Features”, clicking “Turn Windows features on or off”, unchecking the “Windows Search” option, and clicking “OK”.
8. Does disabling Windows Search affect Windows Indexing?
Yes, disabling Windows Search will also disable Windows Indexing, which is a service that creates a searchable index of all the files on your computer. You can still use other search tools, but they may not be as fast or accurate as Windows Search.
9. Will my search history be deleted if I disable Windows Search?
No, disabling Windows Search will not delete your search history or any existing indexed files or folders. You can still access them through other search tools or by enabling Windows Search again.
10. How do I know if Windows Search is causing performance issues?
You can check your computer’s Resource Monitor to see if Windows Search is using a lot of CPU or disk resources. If you notice high usage for a prolonged period of time, it may be affecting your computer’s performance.
11. Can I disable Windows Search on a temporary basis?
Yes, you can temporarily disable Windows Search by stopping the service. However, it may start again after a system restart. To permanently disable it, you need to change the startup type to “Disabled” in the Services app.
12. Are there any risks associated with disabling Windows Search?
Disabling Windows Search is generally safe, but it may affect your ability to find files or folders quickly. If you rely heavily on the search feature, it may be better to keep it enabled or use a third-party search tool.
13. Can I re-enable Windows Search after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable Windows Search by going to the Services app, finding the “Windows Search” option, right-clicking it, selecting “Properties”, and setting the startup type to “Automatic”. Remember to click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, disabling Windows Search is not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can get rid of this feature and enjoy a faster and more efficient computer. Keep in mind that disabling Windows Search may affect other features, such as Cortana, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to disable Windows Search. We hope you found the information useful and that it has helped you improve your computer’s performance. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Until next time, happy computing!