How to Remove the Background Image in Windows 10 and Windows 11 Search

In the recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, the search bar often displays daily images that change regularly. However, this feature can be distracting for some users. Here’s a quick guide on how to disable the background image in Windows 10 and Windows 11 search, giving you a more minimalistic look.

Steps to Disable the Background Image in Windows 10 Search

  1. Open Windows Settings: Click on the “Start” button, then select “Settings” or press Win + I to open it directly.
  2. Go to the “Personalization” section: In the Settings menu, choose “Personalization” and then click on “Taskbar”.
  3. Adjust Search Settings: Look for the option “Show search highlights” or “Quick search” and turn it off if available.
  4. Check the Result: After disabling, the image should disappear from the search box.

If the image remains, you may need to restart your computer or ensure that Windows is updated to the latest version, as updates sometimes introduce interface changes in search settings.

Steps to Disable the Background Image in Windows 11 Search

  1. Open Windows Settings: Click the “Start” button, then select “Settings” or press Win + I to access it.
  2. Go to the “Privacy & Security” section: From the left menu, choose “Privacy & Security”, then find the “Search in Windows” section.
  3. Disable Image Display: In the search settings section, disable the option to “Show search highlights” if available.

Alternative Method Using Local Group Policy Editor

If the methods above don’t work, you can try adjusting settings through the Group Policy Editor. Note that this method is only available for Windows 10/11 Pro and Enterprise editions:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to “Computer Configuration” → “Administrative Templates” → “Windows Components” → “Taskbar”.
  3. Disable the option “Enable quick search with daily image”.
  4. Apply the changes and restart your computer.

Your Windows search should now be free of images, giving you a cleaner and simpler interface.