Clear search history via the Search panel by clicking "History" and then "Clear all". 2. Disable activity tracking in Settings under Privacy & security > Activity history by unchecking "Store my activity history on this device" and "Send my activity history to Microsoft", then click "Clear". 3. Stop cloud sync by turning off "Activity history" in Sync settings or by deleting history at account.microsoft.com. 4. Rebuild the search index via Indexing Options in Settings to remove cached data. 5. On Pro/Enterprise, use Group Policy to disable Cortana, web search, and search highlights. Restart your PC afterward to ensure changes take effect, and consider using a Local Account for better privacy control.
If your Windows 11 search history isn’t clearing, you're not alone — it’s a common frustration, especially when you expect privacy or just want a clean slate. The issue usually stems from how Windows handles search indexing and activity history, both locally and in your Microsoft account. Here’s how to properly clear and disable search history so it stays gone.

? 1. Clear Search History in the Search Panel
Start with the most direct method:
- Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the taskbar.
- Type something to open the search interface.
- On the left side, click "History".
- Click "Clear all" at the top.
? Note: If this doesn’t work or the history comes back, it may be syncing from your Microsoft account or system settings are preserving it.

? 2. Turn Off Search History & Activity Tracking
Windows 11 saves activity history even if you clear it manually — unless you disable the settings behind it.
Disable Search History:
- Press Win I to open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security > Activity history.
-
Uncheck:
- "Store my activity history on this device"
- "Send my activity history to Microsoft"
- Click "Clear" under "Clear activity history."
This stops Windows from saving future searches locally and in the cloud.

Also check:
- Under the same menu, click "Related settings" > "Speech, inking, & typing".
- Select "Stop getting to know me" or click "Delete my device data" to remove typing and search patterns.
? 3. Disable Cloud Sync for Search (Microsoft Account)
If you're signed in with a Microsoft account, your search history might be syncing across devices.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sync.
- Click "Other Windows settings".
- Turn off "Activity history" sync.
Alternatively:
- Visit http://ipnx.cn/link/a596c69468e85ae53014c825e9079543
- Sign in and go to Privacy > Manage activity history.
- Delete your history and turn off future saving.
? 4. Clear Cortana & Search Index (Advanced)
Sometimes, the search index caches data even after clearing history.
Rebuild the Search Index:
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Search Windows.
- Click "Indexing Options".
- Click "Advanced", then go to the "Troubleshooting" section.
- Click "Rebuild" (this may take time).
?? This clears the entire index and forces Windows to re-scan files and apps. It often clears stubborn search history remnants.
? 5. Optional: Use Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise Only)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise:
- Press Win R, type
gpedit.msc
, press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search - Enable:
- "Allow Cortana" → Disabled
- "Don't allow web search" → Enabled
- "Allow search highlights" → Disabled
These tighten control over search data retention.
Final Tips
- Restart your PC after making these changes to ensure settings apply fully.
- Avoid using search while signed into a Microsoft account if you want full privacy.
- Consider using Local Account instead of Microsoft Account if you want tighter control.
Basically, clearing search history isn't just a one-click fix — you need to disable the background tracking that keeps it coming back. Once you turn off activity history and clear the index, your search bar should stay clean.
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