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Disable local search history (breaks recent suggestions)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This disables the storage and display of search history in Windows 1 2.

When executed, the script prevents the operating system from storing search queries in the registry 1 2. Consequently, suggestions based on previous searches will no longer appear in the search pane 1 2. However, suggestions based on local content from apps or Windows itself will remain available 1 2.

The National Security Agency (NSA) in the USA recommends this setting for enhanced privacy and security 3.

By default, Windows provides search suggestions based on previous searches 1 2 4. Running this script disables this feature, thereby enhancing privacy.

The script configures the following registry keys:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer!DisableSearchHistory registry key 1 2.
  • HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings!IsDeviceSearchHistoryEnabled 5.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Windows search data collection category. This category is dedicated to minimizing the personal data collected and utilized by Windows Search and Cortana. It encompasses a range of scripts designed to curtail data sharing and bolster user privacy. These scripts are crucial for preventing the search function from transmitting sensitive... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable local search history (breaks recent suggestions).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer!DisableSearchHistory"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer' /v 'DisableSearchHistory' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings!IsDeviceSearchHistoryEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings'; $data = '1'; reg add 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings' /v 'IsDeviceSearchHistoryEnabled' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Suggest restarting explorer.exe for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'This script will not take effect until you restart explorer.exe. You can restart explorer.exe by restarting your computer or by running following on command prompt: `taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer`.'; $warn =  $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer!DisableSearchHistory"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer' /v 'DisableSearchHistory' /f 2>$null"
:: Delete the registry value "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings!IsDeviceSearchHistoryEnabled"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SearchSettings' /v 'IsDeviceSearchHistoryEnabled' /f 2>$null"
:: Suggest restarting explorer.exe for changes to take effect
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$message = 'This script will not take effect until you restart explorer.exe. You can restart explorer.exe by restarting your computer or by running following on command prompt: `taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer`.'; $warn =  $false; if ($warn) { Write-Warning "^""$message"^""; } else { Write-Host "^""Note: "^"" -ForegroundColor Blue -NoNewLine; Write-Output "^""$message"^""; }"

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