Getting rid of those pesky Trending Search Suggestions on Windows 10
The trending search suggestions in your Windows 10 search bar can be pretty annoying, can’t they? They pop up unexpectedly and distract you from what you’re actually looking for. A quick tweak in the settings can make a big difference. By turning off these suggestions, you can tidy up your search experience and focus on what matters—without all the extra clutter.
Open the Settings Menu
First off, click the Start menu or press the Windows key, then type “Settings.” Click on the Settings app (Settings or just press Win + I). This gets you straight into a bunch of options to customise without having to crawl through endless menus. If you’re not super tech-savvy, don’t stress — this part is quite simple.
Go to Privacy Settings
Once you’re in Settings, look for Privacy. It’s there lurking around, usually under Settings > Privacy. This section controls what data Windows can see and share, which is key for managing those unwanted search suggestions. Many trending topics are based on data that Windows collects here, so this step is important.
Adjust Search Permissions
In the Privacy menu, click on Search permissions on the sidebar. If you don’t see it right away, look for Settings > Privacy > Search permissions & History. This is where you can toggle options that affect how Windows handles your searches. Turning these off significantly reduces those annoying recommendations, including trending topics you didn’t ask for.
Disable Cloud Search Content
Scroll down to the Cloud Content Search section and switch off both toggles (such as Microsoft online content search and any others present). This prevents Windows from pulling search suggestions from online sources. For a truly distraction-free experience, also switch off Search Highlights under Settings > Search > Permissions & History by toggling off Show search highlights. Keeping it local means fewer outside influences.
Stop Search History from Influencing Suggestions
Next, head to the Search History section and switch off Show my search history. You’ll find this under Settings > Privacy > Search permissions & History. This stops Windows from using your past searches to shape what appears. If you want to clear your existing search history, open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run:
Clear-EventLog -LogName Microsoft-Windows-Search/OperationalOnce done, your search bar will look cleaner and more relevant to what you’re typing. It’s like tidying up your digital space—feels good to have only what you need!
After these tweaks, you should notice a more personalised search experience. Disabling trending suggestions cuts down visual clutter and also boosts your privacy by limiting the data Windows processes. For anyone wanting a more private and distraction-free search, these settings are a solid start.
Keep Your Search Clutter-Free
Don’t forget to clear your search history regularly to keep things organised. Just go to Settings > Privacy > Search permissions & History and click Clear device search history. You can also customise further by turning off options like Show search suggestions from Bing and Search online and include web results for even greater control.
FAQs
Why do trending searches keep popping up on my Windows 10?
Windows thinks these are helpful, pulling data to show popular content based on current trends and your usage. But honestly, sometimes they just get in the way more than they help.
Will turning off trending searches slow down my PC?
Nope. Disabling those suggestions mainly affects what you see on the screen—not your system’s speed. In fact, some users say their search responses have improved since there’s less clutter for Windows to process.
How can I get trending searches back if I change my mind?
If you decide you want them again, head back to Settings > Privacy > Search permissions & History and toggle the options like Show search suggestions from Bing back on.
Does disabling these suggestions improve my privacy?
Definitely. Turning them off reduces the amount of data Windows collects and shares, helping to keep your digital footprint smaller. It’s a good move if you’re privacy-conscious.
Will changing these settings affect my PC’s performance?
Not at all. Turning off these features doesn’t slow your device down; in fact, it might even make things run a bit more smoothly since there’s less info to load visually.
Summary of Key Steps
- Open Settings (Win + I)
- Go to Privacy
- Select Search permissions
- Switch off Cloud Content Search
- Disable Search History and clear previous data
While trending searches can sometimes be handy, they’re not for everyone. For those who prefer a simpler, quieter search experience, these tweaks give you full control. It’s easy to do, and you’ll notice a real difference—less distraction, more focus.
Getting your search settings just right is only the start. Explore other privacy options, manage data-sharing preferences, and consider third-party tools to optimise your Windows experience further. These small adjustments can help you create a setup that’s personalised, efficient, and respectful of your privacy.
Once you’ve made these changes, your search experience on Windows 10 should be cleaner and more tailored to your needs, helping you stay on track and minimise distractions.