Search--displays unwanted items


Pearson100

New member
Local time
6:17 PM
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7
OS
Windows 11
When I do a Search, I only want to see files/executables/etc on my computer, not Apps in Microsoft store, websites, etc. I've gone into Settings >Privacy & Security > Search, I've turned off Microsoft Account, Contents of online files. This does not seem to help. Any ideas on how to restrict the Search to just stuff on my PC?

Windows 11, Surface Pro 11,

Thank you.
 

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Windows 11
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Windows 11
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Dell

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    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9168
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    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
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  • System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.9168
1) Search from directly within Windows/File Explorer. The search in Windows is generic

2) 3rd party options - Everything (from voidtools), UltraSearch, Agent Ransack (all freeware)
 

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    HP Slim S01
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    Intel i5-12400
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    8GB
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As was said, search from File Explorer > This PC instead of the start menu.
If you right-click on This PC in file explorer you can pin an entry in the start menu to go directly to This PC.


Screenshot 2026-05-29 135552.webp
 

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Windows 11 Pro
OS
Windows 11 Pro

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9168i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 26200.9168
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9168AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9168
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.9168
The only method I've found to remove the store apps in search is removing the store app completely.

For everything else you can open 'gpedit.msc' and locate and the following
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Do not allow web search
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Don’t search the web or display web results in Search
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Don’t search the web or display web results in Search over metered connections
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Allow search highlights (set Disabled)
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer > Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box

You''ll need to reboot or run gpupdate /force from a terminal, powershell or cmd prompt
 
Last edited:

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Thank you to everybody who responded with suggestions!
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
Dell

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