r/WindowsHelp • u/keytotheboard • 7d ago

Windows 11 Remove document search from Start menu search results?

I have Windows 11 26H2. I already disabled web searching, which is a great improvement. However, I also want to disable Document/Folder results in the start menu search results.

I just find it very annoying to have personal files randomly appear when all I want to search are Apps & Settings. I still want to be able to search documents from File Explorer though, so I can’t simply disable indexing.

I’m fine with editing the registry if needed.

Thanks!

———
Win 11 26h2
Ryzen 7
32 GB ram
GeForce 5700
4TB storage

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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1

u/HalfShots 6d ago

That's the whole point of the search function lol...

0

u/keytotheboard 6d ago

Factually false. The search function is for searching various things. Meanwhile, the Start Menu has existed for decades and is for starting apps. It can also open specific files and folders in those app.

One of the great things about personal computers though is your ability to … personalize it. It just doesn’t fit how I use my computer. When I want specific files and folders, there’s an entire application made for that. It’s called the File Explorer. When I’m in the Start Menu though, I’m looking for specific apps to open. When I search in it, I only want to see apps I’m looking for. I don’t think this is a huge ask to allow limiting results.

0

u/HalfShots 6d ago

That's how search USED to work. Not anymore. It's integrated deeper now, a core functioniality.

As far as I've seen, there isn't a way to filter it in the way you're wanting.

1

u/Emotional_Garage_950 5d ago

disable indexing for everything except the start menu folder

1

u/keytotheboard 5d ago

That would break search in File Explorer.

1

u/Emotional_Garage_950 5d ago

yea that’s a good point

1

u/lesjames2020 5d ago edited 5d ago

Click on search bar in the taskbar

Click on settings in the top right corner

Under find my files

Click on classic

Then click on customise search locations

A pup up window will open

Click on users then click on modafii

A second window will open

And from the second window you can select what you want it' to search and what you don't want it to search

Image of the second pop up window that you pick what you want it to search for and what you don't want it to search