How to Disable Windows Search Highlights via Registry

Windows displays dynamic illustrations and daily content inside the taskbar search box known as Search Highlights. This article explains the exact Windows Registry setting used to enable or disable these search highlight graphics on the desktop, detailing the registry path, the specific value name, and the data required to control the feature.

The Registry Setting

The registry value that controls Windows Search Highlights is IsSearchHighlightsEnabled.

• Registry Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings
• Value Name: IsSearchHighlightsEnabled
• Value Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD 32-bit Value)
• Value Data:
  • 0 = Disables search highlights (removes the graphics/illustrations)
  • 1 = Enables search highlights (displays the dynamic graphics)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type regedit and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.

3. In the address bar at the top, navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings

4. In the right pane, locate the IsSearchHighlightsEnabled entry. (Note: If it does not exist, right-click an empty area in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it IsSearchHighlightsEnabled.)

5. Double-click IsSearchHighlightsEnabled to edit it.

6. Set the Value data to:

   • 0 to turn off search highlight graphics.
   • 1 to turn on search highlight graphics.

7. Click OK to save the changes.

8. Restart the Windows Explorer process via Task Manager, or restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

System-Wide Policy Setting (Optional)

To enforce this setting for all users across the system via Registry, use the following policy key instead:

• Registry Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search
• Value Name: EnableAllowedBorders
• Value Type: REG_DWORD
• Value Data: 0 (Disabled) or 1 (Enabled)