How to configure Search Settings and Permissions in Windows 11

In this post, we are going to see how to configure Search Settings and Permissions in Windows 11. We will be talking about the SafeSearch feature and how you can use it to your advantage.

What is SafeSearch in Windows 11?

Sometimes, while surfing the Internet you may come across content that’s not appropriate for your age such as extreme violence, abusive content, etc. To make sure that you don’t end up watching inappropriate content, there is a SafeSearch in Windows that will filter out those contents for you with the help of its AI.

Configure Search Settings & Permission in Windows 11

We are going to dwell deep into the topic and teach how to configure Search Settings & Permission in Windows 11 explicitly. The following are the things we are going to do in this article.

1. Configure SafeSearch
2. Clear Search History
3. Stop History

Let us talk about them in detail.

1] Configure SafeSearch

First of all, we are going to configure SafeSearch and will see how to impose restrictions the way you want. To enable SafeSearch in Windows 11, follow the given steps.

1. Open Settings from the Start Menu.
2. Go to Privacy & Security and click Search Permission.
3. Now, from the SafeSearch select the type of restrictions, Strict, Moderate, or off, you want to set.

The best thing about SafeSearch is that it will override your Bing search setting, so, you don’t have to configure it manually.

Read: How to Disable or Enable SafeSearch setting or filter using Registry or Group Policy Editor.

2] Clear Search History

Clearing Search History in Windows 11 is quite easy and you can follow the given steps to do the same.

1. Open Settings by searching it out from the Start Menu.
2. Go to Privacy & Security and click Search Permission.
3. Now, scroll down a bit to reach History.
4. Now, click Clear Device Search History to remove all the stored history.

This way your device history will be cleared.

3] Stop History

Next up, we will be seeing how to stop Windows from registering your history. And it is as easy as it gets. To turn off Search History, follow the given steps.

1. Open Settings from the Start Menu.
2. Go to Privacy & Security and click Search Permission.
3. Now, scroll down and use the toggle to disable History.

Also read: How to configure Indexing Options and Settings for Windows 11 Search.

How to remove Recent Activities?

Clearing History won’t remove recent activities, that’s why we got a section for you just to ensure that you don’t leave a trace of your activities. To remove Recent Activities, follow the given steps.

1. Open Run by Win + R.
2. Type “recent” and click Ok.
3. Now, click on the three horizontal dots and then on Select All.
4. Finally, click on the Trash button to remove all the selected files.

One thing you need to keep in mind, there is no way to restore the removed Recent Activities.

That’s it!

Read Next: How to customize Windows 11 Start Menu