Recent/Suggested in Windows Search

So I noticed that when I open Windows Search, sometimes it shows my recently opened/searched items but other times it only shows suggested apps. I don't think I've changed any significant Windows settings.

I remember this weird switching happening occasionally on Windows 10 as well.

Does anyone know under what circumstances will Windows Search show "Recent" or "Suggested"?

Here are two pictures I found on the web.

See if this answers your question.

glasskuter said:

See if this answers your question.

Enable or Disable Search Highlights in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable the Search Highlights graphics and Copilot icon on the taskbar Search Box for your account or all users in Windows 11. Search Highlights will show an icon or graphics on the right side of the Search Box. Starting with Windows 11 build 22572...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

Nah. I am referring to what is shown in the left half.

You can also stop showing recent in file explorer if you wish. Add or Remove Recent Files in File Explorer Home in Windows 11 Tutorial

glasskuter said:

Enable or Disable Recent Search History in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off save search history on this device for your account in Windows 11. Windows Search lets you search from your taskbar to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s on your device, in the cloud, or on the web. Windows Search saves your recent...

www.elevenforum.com

You can also stop showing recent in file explorer if you wish. Add or Remove Recent Files in File Explorer Home in Windows 11 Tutorial

Click to expand...

Hmm, weird. I've never toggled this before, and it's ON by default, but Windows Search would sometimes show Suggested to me instead of Recent.